Advanced · Images, sound and media · module 124 of 155
Communicating accessibly with AI
Use AI to suggest alt texts, plain language and subtitles, and test them with real readers.
After this lesson
You have alt texts, plain-language texts and subtitles suggested, check them for accuracy and test them with people from the target group.
In view · Side by side
Accessible to more readers
Briefly describe what the image shows and why it is there.
Short sentences and familiar words, keeping all facts and exceptions.
Have people from the target group try out the text or video.
Part 1 of 3 · Alt text
Your preference for less movement is on. Choose each part yourself.
Accessible is better for everyone
People read, watch and listen in different ways. Someone with a visual impairment uses a screen reader, someone else prefers short sentences, and many people watch videos without sound on the train. Accessible communication takes this into account: descriptions for images, understandable language, subtitles and links with a clear name. AI can help with a first version (lesson 108). Checking and testing with real readers remain necessary.
Alt text and plain language
An alt text describes in one or two sentences what an image shows and why it is there. A file name or the word photo helps no one. AI can suggest a description, but it may see details wrongly or make something up, such as a name or an emotion (lesson 64). So check the description against the image. For plain language, ask for short sentences, familiar words, one message per paragraph and explanations of difficult terms. Check whether facts and conditions have been preserved (lesson 97).
Subtitles, links and testing
Automatic subtitles are a good starting point, but you need to proofread names, numbers and technical terms, just as with transcriptions (lesson 121). Give links a name that says where they lead, instead of click here. A PDF with only scanned text is unreadable for a screen reader. Where possible, have people from the target group try out a text or video. A short test with two readers often finds more than a long checklist.
New practice example
From explanation to a usable result.
AI can make a first version of alt texts, plain language and subtitles. You check the accuracy and test with real readers.
Fictional practice situationFictional: a swimming pool puts a photo online of a new shallow pool with a sloping entry. AI suggests as alt text: “A happy family enjoys a sunny day by the pool.”
View a possible solution
This is how it can be done
The suggested alt text invents a family and a feeling, and misses the message. Better: “The new shallow pool with a sloping entry, so you can get into the water without steps.” I check against the photo that there are no people in it and that the sloping entry is clearly visible.
Why this works
The alt text now describes what matters to the reader: how accessible the new pool is. The invented details are gone.
Make it slightly more difficult
Rewrite the swimming pool’s opening hours in plain language. Which exception must definitely be kept?
Extra practice, at your own pace. You do not need to submit anything. This does not count towards an automatic assessment.
Your workplace · learning by doing
Make something. See what changes.
Checking the AI connection… You can already view the written example.
Present your assignment to Ende.
Read the answer, change one thing, and compare.
Previously held
New version
You remain in control
What do you want to improve in your next attempt?
On this device only. AI answers remain only in this page memory. This is self-review, not a grade.
Why this approach works
The alt text now describes what matters to the reader: how accessible the new pool is. The invented details are gone.
A step further
Rewrite the swimming pool’s opening hours in plain language. Which exception must definitely be kept?
Try & discover · no obligation
Become the source checker yourself
Only mark statements that the source does not support. Then check your selection.
Fictional web page of a community centre with a photo, links and a short text. Which parts do not help people who use a screen reader, or people who need plain language?
Select which sentences you would correct above. The answer remains hidden until you check your selection.
This trial works locally with fictitious data and does not count towards your lesson completion. It starts anew with a new lesson or reload.
A prompt to get you started
Help me make a fictional municipal notice more accessible. Text: “Pursuant to the redevelopment of the Marktstraat, parking at said location shall be prohibited from 1 March, save for permit holders.” Write a plain-language version of no more than four short sentences. Keep all the facts and the exception. Then suggest an alt text for a photo of the street with a new no-parking sign, and say what I should check in the image.
Apply it
Your newsletter contains three photos without alt text, links saying “click here” and a video without subtitles.
Which approach best fits this situation?
- Leave it as it is; most readers can see the photos anyway.
- Have alt texts and subtitles suggested, check them for accuracy, give the links a clear name and test with a reader from the target audience.
- Let AI fill in everything automatically and publish without checking.
With JavaScript, you can check your approach and receive immediate feedback.
Test your insight
Which alt text helps a reader using a screen reader most?
- IMG_2041.jpg
- Photo
- Five volunteers paint a bench in the park together.
Extra practice
Choose a text and an image from your own organisation. Have a plain version and an alt text suggested, check them for accuracy and have one person from the target group read them.
Plain version: “From 1 March, you can no longer park in the Marktstraat. That is because of the new layout of the street. Do you have a permit? Then you can still park there.” Alt text: “The Marktstraat with a new sign: no parking, except for permit holders.” Check: the exception for permit holders was kept, and the sign really does show that exception.
