how to write a good description for visual elements wednesday, november 18, 9:15 a.m. accessing...
DESCRIPTION
Graphics. What to do? Web pages, DE courses, online documents Alt text In books Possibly alt text ○ Generally preferred Possibly insert the caption ○ Preferred by some students so that the caption does not interrupt readingTRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
HOW TO WRITE A GOOD DESCRIPTION FOR VISUAL ELEMENTS
Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m.Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015
Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich
![Page 2: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
PresentersGaeir Dietrich DirectorHigh Tech Center Training UnitCalifornia Community [email protected]
Robert Lee BeachAssistive Technology SpecialistKansas City Kansas Community [email protected]
![Page 3: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Graphics. What to do? Web pages, DE courses, online
documentsAlt text
In booksPossibly alt text
○ Generally preferredPossibly insert the caption
○ Preferred by some students so that the caption does not interrupt reading
![Page 4: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Text within a Graphic If there is text inside the graphic, include
that text within the alt text description so that it can be read
Text inside of a picture is still a picture! Alt text provides the access.
![Page 5: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
As Specific Accommodations When working with a particular student,
ask his/her preferences. Some students do not want the graphics
at all. Some students will have a reader
describe graphics. Some students will want either the
embedded caption or alt text on the graphic.
![Page 6: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Tip Split main body of text into one
document and all other ancillary elements (sidebars, captions, footnotes, etc.) into another documentKeep page numbers in both documents
Creates two documents per chapter Provides uninterrupted reading
![Page 7: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
I have the graphic, now what? First figure out the purpose of the
graphic.What is the intent of the graphic?
Does the student need to do something with the graphic (part of an exercise)?
What does the graphic convey?What specific information does the graphic
communicate? Who is the intended audience?
![Page 8: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Overall Question How much is the purpose of the graphic
informational? How much decoration?
![Page 9: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Describing Graphics When determining the purpose, always
consider the context in which the graphic is being shown.
The same graphic may have a different purpose in a different context.Sometimes decorationSometimes informationalSometimes an illustrative point
![Page 10: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
How Do I Decide?? Does the student need to do something
with the graphic or understand something from it?Informational
Is the graphic simply entertaining or “pretty”?Decoration
![Page 11: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Informational If information is being conveyed, then
consider…What is the information being presented in
the graphic?Is that information already conveyed in the
text?How can I describe the graphic in as few
words as possible?
![Page 12: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Illustrative Does the graphic summarize or
condense something described in the text?May be informational; may be decorativeDepends on whether the graphic adds /
summarizes information or simply illustrates exactly what the text describes
May be a visual summary of written passages
![Page 13: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Decoration Does it even need to be described? If yes, how much? Usually very little.
If not, for HTML, null text it or “ ”.
If not, for PDF, wait until in Adobe Pro and mark as “decorative element” or make part of background.
![Page 14: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
What Do I Say?* 1. Be objective
Stick to the facts, do not interpret 2. Be brief
The shorter the better 3. Be descriptive
Use words that convey clear meaning 4. Be logical
Use a sequence or structure 5. Be accurate
Make sure the information you give matches the book/site
* From A Picture Is Worth 300 Words: Writing Visual Descriptions For An Art Museum Web Site by Adam Alonzo
![Page 15: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
NCAM* on STEM Description Summarize briefly and then provide
details If color conveys information, include;
otherwise, no If appropriate include info on shape/size Consider the intent of the image, as well
as intended audience
![Page 16: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
NCAM on Graphs Brief overview that covers the purpose
of graph/chart Describe span (highs/lows)
Include title and axis information List data as appropriate and point out
major changesE.g., constant increase, angle of line
up/down, sharp/sudden change, etc.
*Presentation with the DIAGRAM Center 2013
![Page 17: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
No Single Right Way There is not only one way to describe
graphics.
Just remember…Keep context in mindAsk yourself: Is this something the person
really needs to hear?
![Page 18: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Exercise Photo 1 In a book about exercise, this photo
appears at the beginning of a chapter on nutrition:
![Page 19: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Possible Alt Text The photo is decorative.
It is simply illustrating the theme of the book.
Keep the description simple:People biking
![Page 20: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Exercise Photo 2 In the same textbook, the graphic below
is included next to boxed text about the benefits of strength training.
![Page 21: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Possible Alt Text This graphic is purely decorative.
Since this graphic is essentially “eye candy,” it is a good example of when a null tag (HTML) or decorative text (PDF) might be useful.
If you do want to describe, keep it very short: “Smiley face lifting weights.”
![Page 22: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Logo Example 1
Kansas City Kansas Community CollegePresents an Evening of JazzCome join us for two hours of wonderful jazz by the lake. …
![Page 23: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Possible Alt Text The logo is decorative.
Logo is branding for school, but in this context is essentially decorative from the end-user’s viewpoint.
Since the graphic is decorative, keep it simple.College logoKCKCC logo
![Page 24: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Logo Example 2 In marketing your business, the design of a
logo can make a big impression or can be a waste of money. The logo needs to be attractive but not dominate other information presented along with the logo. In the example below, what catches your attention?
![Page 25: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Possible Alt Text The logo is informational.
In this case, the same logo is a specific example and requires a more lengthy description.
Focus on what the student needs to know:Interlocking blue K and red C on left with the
words “Making Life Better” in red above the college name in black blocked and underlined with a blue line.
![Page 26: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Blood Pressure Example 1 Proper positioning of the cuff, stethoscope
and arm are important to accurate blood pressure readings. The arm should be relaxed and straight, resting on a flat surface. The cuff should be positioned just above the elbow. The stethoscope should be positioned over the brachial artery at the bend of the elbow. See the example for proper technique.
![Page 27: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Possible Alt Text The graphic is decorative.
The graphic is illustrative of what has been described in the text, and no further description is needed.
Keep the alt text simple:Taking blood pressure
![Page 28: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Blood Pressure Example 2Proper positioning of the cuff, stethoscope, and arm are important to accurate blood pressure readings. See the example below for a demonstration of correct technique.
![Page 29: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Possible Alt Text The graphic is informational.
Since the photo illustrates a particular procedure, it would require a longer description because the description is not already present in the text.
![Page 30: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Math Example 1 The graph of a Gaussian function is a
characteristic symmetric “bell curve” shape that quickly falls off towards plus/minus infinity.
![Page 31: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Possible Alt Text The graphic is informational.
The graph illustrates what a bell curve is.
Alt text could be “A bell curve.” However…what if the student does not
know what a bell curve is?!?
![Page 32: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
When More Is Needed Sometimes even a long description will
not really convey the information in the graphic.
The alt text will not be sufficient for a student’s needs.
AND some people with visual impairments are visual learners—NOT auditory—they need to “see” it.
Tactile graphics to the rescue!
![Page 33: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
What Are Tactile Graphics? A tactile graphic is a tactile
representation of the content conveyed by a graphic.
Tactile graphics are not simply “copies” but are new conceptualizations of the information being conveyed.They convey the same information in a
totally different form.
![Page 34: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Tactiles Needed STEM subjects
Tactile graphics are often needed to convey complex concepts
Charts and graphsMolecular structuresCircuits and vectorsDiagrams of systems
Maps
![Page 35: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Finding Tactiles Ready-made graphics are sometimes
availableAmerican Printing House:
○ Models and graphics: www.aph.org○ Image Library: www.aph.org/tgil/
Princeton Braillists (maps) : https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/braille/tactilemaps.htm
Predescribed graphicsDiagram Center: http://diagramcenter.org/
![Page 36: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Helpful Resources NCAM
http://ncam.wgbh.org/ Effective Practices for Description of STEM
http://ncam.wgbh.org/experience_learn/educational_media/stemdx
W3Chttp://dev.w3.org/html5/alt-techniques/
WebAIMhttp://webaim.org/techniques/images/
![Page 37: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Hiring Work Done Alternate Text Production Center (ATPC)
www.atpc.net Princeton Braillists
http://mysite.verizon.net/resvqbxe/princetonbraillists/
South Dakota Pheasantland Industrieshttp://doc.sd.gov/adult/industry/shop/
braille.aspx
![Page 38: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Who Ya Gonna Call? Tactile Graphics Expert
Lucia Hastyhttp://www.rockymountainbraille.com/http://www.tactilegraphics.org/
Contact us for other recommendations
![Page 39: How to Write a Good Description for Visual Elements Wednesday, November 18, 9:15 a.m. Accessing Higher Ground Conference, 2015 Robert Beach and Gaeir Dietrich](https://reader036.vdocuments.mx/reader036/viewer/2022062504/5a4d1b107f8b9ab05998f2e4/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Attributions & Credits A Picture is Worth 300 Words
CSUN proceedings 2001 by Adam Alonzo Office Hours: Image Description
Presented by the DIAGRAM Center and the WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM), October 24, 2013
Blood Pressure photoPhoto Credit blood pressure check image by
.shock from Fotolia.com