Ally 4. The document contains images without descriptions (Major)

Assess

Some documents include images that do not have alternative text (alt text) or descriptions. This means the images are not accessible to users who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies to understand visual content.

Descriptions should be concise yet meaningful, capturing the essence of the image. Avoid using file names as descriptions, as they typically lack clarity or context.

Insight

Why image descriptions matter:

Essential for screen reader users – Without alt text, screen readers cannot convey the content or purpose of an image, leaving out important information.

Improves comprehension – Alt text helps all users understand how an image supports or relates to the surrounding content.

Supports inclusive learning – Students with visual impairments or learning differences benefit from having content presented in multiple formats.

Enhances search-ability – Descriptive text can improve how content is indexed and retrieved in digital environments.

Modify

To resolve this issue using Canvas Ally:

Open the Accessibility Report from your course navigation menu.
Scroll to the list of issues and select “The document contains images without descriptions.”
Click the Fuel Gauge/Score icon next to the flagged document. A new tab will open.
Ally will display the issue and prompt you to upload a corrected version of the document.
Locate the original document and remediate there. If needed, Click the download link to save the original file to your computer.
Return to the Ally interface and upload the updated file to replace the original.

Open the file in the original source program (e.g., Microsoft Word or PowerPoint) and follow these steps to add image descriptions:

In Microsoft Word:

Right-click on the image and select “Format picture"
In the Alt Text Description box, enter a brief, meaningful description of the image.
If the image is decorative, check the box labeled “Mark as decorative.” If using Word online, there isn't an option for marking the image as decorative at this time.
Repeat for all images in the document.
Save the updated document.

In Microsoft PowerPoint:

Right-click on the image and choose “Alt Text" from the list of options.
In the Alt Text pane, describe the image clearly and concisely.
Use the “Mark as decorative” option if the image is purely visual and not instructional.
Review each slide to ensure all images have appropriate alt text.
Save the updated presentation.

A.I.M for Accessibility In Mind...

What to Do:

Be concise and descriptive – Summarize the essential information or function of the image in 1–2 sentences.
Use context – Tailor the description to the image’s role in the content. What should students learn or understand from it?
Mark decorative images appropriately – If an image is purely decorative, mark it as such so screen readers can skip it.

What to Avoid:

Don’t use file names as descriptions – File names like “IMG_1234.jpg” are not meaningful.
Avoid starting with “Image of…” – Screen readers already announce that it’s an image.
Don’t overload with detail – Keep it simple unless the image is complex (e.g., charts or diagrams).

Additional Support

Anthology Help Center- Add Image Descriptions