The April 2026 digital accessibility deadline is approaching and we’re here to help you get ready. Each month, this email series will highlight one key accessibility topic to help campus web editors like you make www.unomaha.edu more usable and inclusive for everyone.
Whether you're updating content or reviewing pages, these quick tips will guide you in creating a better experience for all users, including those who rely on assistive technologies.
ACCESSIBILITY TOPIC: ALTERNATIVE TEXT
Alternative text, or alt text, is a short description of an image.
Alt text makes images (photos, diagrams, logos) accessible by providing a meaningful text alternative for people who can’t see, access, or process the original image.
Alt text is not the same as an image caption.
Alt text is a separate field in Cascade.
Those who depend on screen readers, people who turn off images in their email or browser need alt text to understand what the image is on the page. This also includes people who are blind, have low vision, are neurodivergent, use older technology, or have low internet bandwidth.
In Cascade, wherever an image is placed within a WYSIWYG (Content block), this box will pop up:
Other areas on a template that were designed specifically for adding images will have an alt text field.
How to Write Alt Text
Ideally, alt text should be 125-150 characters, (many screen readers cut off text at 125 characters), or a long sentence.
The description should be concise; consider key elements like people, place, and action.
You don't need to state “A picture of” but do say if it’s a logo, illustration, painting, or cartoon.
Don’t copy text that is already on the page.
End the alt text with a period - this alerts the screen reader to pause and improves readability.
Example:
A group of students sit at tables in a classroom, attentively listening.
A student with long dark hair and glasses listens attentively in class; others sit around her, slightly blurred in the background.
You will be receiving a Siteimprove report that highlights missing alt text within your UNO subsite.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity.
