Most people never see alt text.
That’s kind of the point.
When it works well, it quietly provides access for people who use screen readers or other assistive technology. When it doesn’t, important information gets lost, or worse, the content becomes meaningless.
At The Lighthouse of Houston, we often talk about accessibility as something that should be built in from the beginning. Alt text is one of the simplest examples.
It takes only a few extra seconds to write, but those few seconds make the difference between inclusion and exclusion.
What Is Alt Text?
According to accessibilitychecker.org, alt text (or alternative text) is a “brief written description of an image that’s added to a webpage’s HTML.”
Screen readers use this text to describe visual content to people who are blind or low vision. It also appears when images fail to load.
Good alt text answers a simple question: what would someone need to know about this image to understand the content?
A good rule of thumb is, instead of describing everything, describe what is important to the image. That can include the subject(s), setting, actions or interactions, and other relevant information.
The Most Common Mistake
Many people either write too little or too much.
Consider this example:
Bad alt text:
“Coffee mug.”
While technically accurate, it doesn’t tell the reader anything useful.
On the other hand:
Too much alt text:
“A blue ceramic coffee mug with a small handle sits on a wooden table next to a window while golden sunlight reflects off the surface and illuminates the surrounding area…”
If the image is just supporting an article about morning routines, most of those details aren’t necessary.
A better version might be:
Better alt text:
“Blue coffee mug sits on a table near a window.”
It’s simple, clear, and provides necessary context.
Context Matters
The same image can require different alt text depending on why it’s being used.
Imagine a photo of a woman using a white cane.
If the article is about mobility training:
Good alt text:
“Woman using a white cane while crossing a city street.”
If the article is about professional success:
Better alt text:
“Professional walking to work using a white cane in downtown Houston.”
Effective alt text focuses on context, not just appearance.
A Quick Rule of Thumb
Before writing alt text, ask yourself:
If someone couldn’t see this image, what would they miss?
The answer is usually what belongs in the description.
In many cases, one sentence is enough.
You don’t need to describe every single color, object, or detail. Just communicate the information the image is meant to provide.
Why It Matters
Alt text may seem small, but accessibility is often built through small choices.
A single image without alt text might not feel significant. But across a website, newsletter, social media feed, or online document, those missing descriptions add up.
When access is considered from the start, people can engage with content independently and confidently.
When it’s written thoughtfully, alt text helps ensure everyone receives the same information, understands the same message, and participates in the same experience.
That’s what accessibility looks like in practice.
Be Part of the Impact
At The Lighthouse of Houston, we believe access should be built into every part of life, including the digital spaces where people learn, work, and connect.
Through training, education, and community support, we help people who are blind or low vision gain the skills and confidence to engage fully with the world around them.
If you believe everyone deserves equal access to information and opportunity, consider making a donation today.
Your support helps create a future where accessibility is the standard.
