Accessible Moodle (implementation guide)
The implementation aid Moodle barrier-free serves as support for the Moodle barrier-free checklist. The order of the aspects and the structure according to categories are the same.
Under the heading "What is meant by this? " you will find a detailed description of the aspect to be ticked off. The section "Why is it important?" describes which barriers you are removing with the respective aspect and for which groups of people this is essential. Finally, under the heading "How can I implement/check this?" you will find detailed instructions on how to implement or check the respective aspect.
6. Graphic
6.1. Alternative texts
Graphics contain a short, concise alternative text (max. 125 characters). Graphics with no substantive meaning are marked as decoration.
What is meant by this?
Graphics that contain important content require an alternative text (ALT). This alternative text is used to describe the graphic for those who cannot see it. In Moodle, the length of the alternative text is limited to 125 characters. It is therefore important that the connection to the surrounding text content is clear.
If the graphic has no meaning in terms of content, i.e. is merely "decorative", it must be marked as decorative.
Why is it important?
An appropriate alternative text for an image is important as it enables all recipients to understand the content of an image. If an image has no alternative text or the alternative text is insufficient, the image becomes invisible to screen reader and speech output recipients. This means that these recipients miss out on important information that could be contained in the image.
An appropriate alternative text describes the image briefly and concisely and conveys how, for example, an image relates to the content of the document. If the image contains important information that is not or cannot be presented differently in the text, it is important to include this information in the alternative text so that it is recognized by screen readers and voice output.
How can I implement/check it?
When inserting a graphic via the menu bar in the text editor, you can enter an alternative text. Use the "Description for someone who cannot see the image" field for this.
Note: In the newer Moodle versions, it is not possible to upload a graphic without alternative text or labeling as a decorative graphic.
If the graphic has no meaning in terms of content and only functions as "decoration", it must be marked as decorative. The graphic is then ignored by the screen readers and is not read aloud. When inserting the graphic via the menu bar, you will find a checkbox "Image for decoration only" below the text field. Select this to mark the graphic as decorative.
Please note that it is not sufficient to write the texts "empty" or "decorative" in the alternative text. This would be read out by the screen readers and is unnecessary.