Image accessibility

[mark-wiemer]

The ![](image.png) syntax is for decorative images. ![some alt text](image.png) ![some descriptive text](image.png) is for meaningful images.

We should scan our codebase for images and set the alt text to the corresponding caption, likely using Hugo shortcodes.

This helps both visually impaired folks and those with slow network connections

[appgurueu]

Alt text is not the same as and should not be set to the same as image captions. See https://hsc.wvu.edu/website-content-guide/creation/images/images-in-the-editor/writing-alternative-text-and-image-captions/:

Image captions differ in comparison to alternative text. Alternative text’s purpose, as we have learned, is to describe what is visually present in an image. Image captions are not intended to be used in this manner. Also, alternative text only appears visually on a page when an image fails to display, whereas image captions are typically always visible.

Alternative text, aside from a few exceptions, should always be included with an image. Image captions, on the other hand, are optional and should only be used to add additional context or understanding as to the meaning of the image or why it is being included on the page.

Because of the differences in purpose, it is important to note that an image’s caption should never be the same as its alternative text. This would result in the same content potentially being conveyed to a site visitor twice.

[mark-wiemer]

Sorry, you're right. I meant ![some descriptive text](image.png). Thanks for the clarification