Guidance from Temple University Center for the Advancement of Teaching that provides alternatives to alt text for complex visual images.
Complex visual elements such as charts, maps, infographics, diagrams, and dashboards often contain important information that cannot be fully conveyed through alt text alone. To provide an equivalent learning experience for all students, these visuals may require longer text descriptions or other accessible alternatives that communicate key data, relationships, structure, or meaning. This guide explains strategies for making complex visuals accessible in digital course materials and aligns with WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements for content shared through platforms such as Canvas, websites, and digital documents.
Topics:
- Long descriptions
- Interactive alternatives to long descriptions
- Structured format alternatives to long descriptions
- Long descriptions and long-term workflows
- Complex visual elements and assessments
- Writing long descriptions using AI
- Using AI for handwritten notes
- Discipline-specific resources