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Accessibility Support: Generating Alt Text from Images Using boisestate.ai

Accessibility Support: Generating Alt Text from Images Using boisestate.ai

Alt text (alternative text) is crucial for web accessibility, helping users with visual impairments understand image content through screen readers. The http://boisestate.ai platform, featuring Claude AI's advanced image recognition capabilities, can significantly streamline the process of creating high-quality alt text for both students and faculty.

Why Alt Text Matters at Boise State

According to Boise State's accessibility guidelines, alt text serves as "the only way for users with visual impairments to understand the content and function of images." Without proper alt text, screen readers may simply announce "Image" or read cryptic filenames like "IMG_9823.jpg."

Using Claude AI on http://boisestate.ai for Alt Text Generation

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Access http://boisestate.ai

    • Navigate to boisestate.ai

    • Sign in with your Boise State credentials

    • Select the Claude model for optimal image recognition

  2. Upload Your Image

    • Start a new conversation in Claude

    • Upload your image by clicking the attachment button or dragging and dropping

    • Claude can analyze up to 20 images in a single conversation

  3. Craft Your Alt Text Request
    Use these effective prompts based on your needs:

  • Basic Alt Text - Please generate concise alt text for this image, following accessibility best practices. Keep it under 125 characters and focus on the essential information.

  • Context-Specific Alt Text - This image will appear in [context - e.g., "a course syllabus about environmental science"]. Please generate appropriate alt text that considers this context and stays under 125 characters.

  • Complex Images (Charts/Graphs) - This is a complex data visualization. Please provide:

    • Brief alt text (under 125 characters) for the alt attribute

    • A longer description for the page content that explains the key data trends

Best Practices for AI-Generated Alt Text

Always Review and Edit

Follow Boise State Guidelines

Optimize Your Prompts

Always Review and Edit

Follow Boise State Guidelines

Optimize Your Prompts

  • Claude provides excellent starting points, but always review for accuracy

  • Ensure the description matches Boise State's accessibility standards

  • Verify that technical terms are appropriate for your audience

  • Keep descriptions under 125 characters when possible

  • Avoid starting with "Image of..." or "Photo of..."

  • Focus on function and meaning, not just appearance

  • For decorative images, mark as decorative rather than generating alt text

  • Provide context about where the image will be used

  • Specify if the image is functional (like a button) vs. informational

  • Ask for multiple options if you're unsure which approach works best

Use Cases for Students and Faculty

For Students

  • Research Papers: Generate alt text for charts, graphs, and images in academic work

  • Presentations: Create accessible slide decks with proper image descriptions

  • Digital Portfolios: Ensure all visual content is accessible to diverse audiences

  • Course Projects: Meet accessibility requirements for multimedia assignments

For Faculty

  • Course Materials: Make lecture slides, handouts, and resources accessible

  • Canvas Content: Ensure all uploaded images have appropriate alt text

  • Research Publications: Create accessible figures and diagrams for academic papers

  • Assessment Materials: Generate descriptions for visual elements in tests and quizzes

Integration with Existing Workflows

Microsoft Office Integration

  1. Generate alt text using Claude on http://boisestate.ai

  2. Copy the generated text

  3. Right-click images in Word/PowerPoint → "View Alt Text" → paste description

Canvas Integration

  1. Use Claude to generate alt text before uploading to Canvas

  2. Add the alt text when inserting images into course content

  3. Review existing course materials and update missing alt text

Google Workspace

  1. Generate descriptions using http://boisestate.ai

  2. Right-click images in Google Docs/Slides → "Alt Text" → add to description field

Quality Assurance Tips

  • Test with Screen Readers: Use built-in accessibility tools to verify alt text effectiveness

  • Peer Review: Have colleagues review alt text for clarity and accuracy

  • Student Feedback: Ask students with disabilities about the usefulness of descriptions

  • Regular Audits: Periodically review and update alt text as content changes