Accessibility FAQ

• Is an alternative text page acceptable instead of fixing my current web page?
• When do I have to have an alternative text page?
• How do I add an alt tag to an image?
• How do I know what to fix after running the Bobby Accessibility Test?
• How do I fix any problems that are identified?
• How do I know my page is accessible?

Is a text alternative page acceptable instead of fixing my current web page?

No, every home page must be handicap accessible (i.e. Section 508 Compliant). An alternative text page may be added in addition to making the proper changes to your web page. For example, the VCU home page has an alternative text page for viewers coming from a text-based browser like LYNX and for viewers desiring faster loading.

When do I have to have an alternative text source?

An alternative text source is required when there is an audio or video file on the page or a graphic that is necessary to the understanding of the page. The content or a description of the audio, video, or graphic may be added to the same page or a separate page. An example of this is Undergraduate Admissions' 'Real Student' opinions of VCU.

How do I add an alt tag to an image?

An alt tag is coded by typing alt="description". Here are some examples:

1. "vcuhome.gif" links your web page to the VCU home page.
   Since this is essential information, the HTML source would be:
   
          <img src="vcuhome.gif" alt="VCU Home Page">
   
   Here, text-based browser would see the words "VCU Home Page" instead of the graphic.
   
2. "transparent.gif" adds an invisible image used as a placeholder for formatting purposes.
   Since this is non-essential information, the HTML source would be:
   
          <img src="spacer.gif" alt="">
   
   Here, text-based browsers would totally ignore the graphic.
3. Alternative text can also be implemented through a web design program such as FrontPage or Dreamweaver. This can be accomplished by "right-clicking" on the image and selecting the picture properties menu item. There will be a designated text box for alternative text in this option.

How do I know what to fix after running the Bobby Accessibility Test?

After running the Bobby Accessibility Test you may be presented with a long list of errors. To be Section 508 compliant you are required to fix the "Section 508 Accessibility" errors. These are the errors from the top of the list down to but not including "Section 508 User Checks." Here is an example of what was needed to be correct for the VCU Staff website (which is now corrected):

Section 508 Accessibility

How do I fix any problems that are identified?

For each type of problem, there is a link from the section header which describes how to resolve each type of problem.  In the example above, click on the link "Provide alternative text for all images." for problem resolution. You can also visit the Common Errors page to view some of the most common errors found on the VCU website.

How do I know my page is accessible?

When you run the Bobby online software the following images will be displayed. The images on the left signifies a site that is compliant with all of the Section 508 requirement. The image on the right signifies that there are modifications that need to be made before the site can be approved. if you see the "repair needed" image then you will also see a list of item that need to be changed. All of the changes are listed by line number according to the HTML code.