Microsoft Word 2016 Accessibility

Images need to have alternative text so that users with screen readers can understand the context or function of the image. Without alternative text, images are inaccessible.

There are a few ways to add alternative text:

• Method 1: Click on the image, go to the Format tab, and select Alt Text. Note: for Microsoft Word 2021, the tab is labeled Graphics Format.

• Method 2: Right-click on the image and select Edit Alt Text...

Enter a description for the image:

Reference the WebAIM article on writing alternative text descriptions.

• Alternative text descriptions need to be meaningful, accurate, and succinct.
• Avoid writing descriptions over 150 characters.
• Do not include too little information.
• Avoid providing redundant information that is in surrounding text.
• Avoid using terminology like "image of..." or "picture of..." This is redundant since screen readers identify this content as an image.
• For complex images like charts or graphs, consider supplementing information directly below the image.

If images are decorative and do not have a function, consider marking them as decorative.

Source: Microsoft Word: Creating Accessible Documents by WebAIM.