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public:nnels:etext:images:how_to_edit_alt-text [2022/09/21 17:43] rachel.osolen |
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- | =======Editing Your Alt-text======= | ||
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- | Part of the writing process for Image Descriptions is to self edit your work. Part of your job expectations is to produce accessible versions of the titles you are assigned. Alt-text is an essential part of accessibility. | ||
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- | It can take longer to learn how to write image descriptions than the other parts of reformatting an ebook, and we are here to help and support you on this journey. Even after you have gotten a handle on how to describe images, there will always be times when you struggle and need assistance. This section will walk you through the editing process, and provide you with some useful tips. We have also created the [[public: | ||
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- | It is important to remember that when a reader listens to Alt-text it is extra work compared to someone visually absorbing the image. Shorter, more efficient Alt-text helps people get that content and avoid cognitive overload. Editing is essential to this process. | ||
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- | <note important> | ||
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- | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: | ||
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- | ======Basic Steps====== | ||
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- | The first step is to write the Alt-text, and try not to get too bogged down on getting it perfect the first time. The documentation on this wiki, along with the additional resources and [[public: | ||
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- | <note tip> | ||
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- | You should aim to edit your work at least three times before you submit a final draft of a title. | ||
- | - After writing, copyedit for clarity | ||
- | - Next day copyedit for structure and clarity (aim to be able to recreate the image in description) | ||
- | - Final proofread to catch any grammar and punctuation mistakes | ||
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- | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: | ||
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- | ======How to Edit Alt-text====== | ||
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- | DAISY released a series of webinars on Alt-text, and their video on editing is very informative. You can watch it is it entirety through the following link: | ||
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- | Below are the highlights from this video. | ||
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- | =====Edit to Provide Clarity===== | ||
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- | Make sure you use specific language and simple word choices in order to be clear. Write out any acronyms and symbols and use proper grammar and punctuation. | ||
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- | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: | ||
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- | =====Edit to Organize Information===== | ||
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- | Work from the general to the specific and group like items together for ease of reading comprehension. Organize information within your image description in a clear predictable way. This will help the reader to get into the rhythm of the description. Start with similarities, | ||
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- | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: | ||
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- | =====Edit to Remain Neutral===== | ||
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- | Try not to instruct, or go beyond what is contained within the image. Describe what is in the image and avoid interpreting. This goes back to being clear, direct, and concise. You can describe actions or expressions, | ||
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- | For example: | ||
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- | {{ : | ||
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- | Alt-text: Two young girls stand beside each other and smile in the sunlight. There is a green leafy bush in the background. They both look directly into the camera. They both have a light skin tone. One girl has blonde hair in pigtails and wears a white dress, and the other has long loose brown hair and wears a green dress.</ | ||
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- | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: | ||
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- | =====Edit to Reduce Redundancy===== | ||
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- | Edit descriptions that are too wordy and cut unnecessary phrases. Avoid repeating a caption, if one is present, and try not to regurgitate the surrounding text. Use pronouns when necessary to help tighten up the description. Avoid phrases like '' | ||
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- | Remember to consider the cognitive load of your reader. The average person can remember 7 items at a time, which means less is more when you are writing an image description. Using fewer words helps the listener to process information more efficiently. This is why being direct and concise is so important, and using [[https:// | ||
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- | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: | ||
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- | ======Other Tips for Editing====== | ||
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- | Below are some more helpful tips for editing your work. | ||
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- | =====Read Aloud===== | ||
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- | After you finish writing your first draft, read your work back to yourself out loud. Reading aloud can help you hear mistakes that you may not catch when reading in your head. | ||
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- | It is good to combine reading in your head with reading aloud, as it breaks up the way you are absorbing the information and heightens your chance of catching any mistakes. | ||
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- | =====Sleep on It===== | ||
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- | It is important to wait at least a day before you start any deeper edits on your image descriptions. This will ensure you have fresh eyes, and will avoid burnout. You will not be able to write or edit any good image descriptions if you are tired or burnout. | ||
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- | =====Know Your Limits===== | ||
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- | Learn what time of day you have the best focus for writing and editing image descriptions. This work is all about attention to detail and self editing, so you need to know when you are the most focused to be able to perform these tasks efficiently. Don’t write if you are tired, distracted or burnt out. You will not be able to focus and you will not be able to pay proper attention to details, which means you will make more mistakes. | ||
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- | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: | ||
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- | [[public: | ||