I used to think alt text was overhyped until I couldn't access my own photos

About 6 months ago I had a minor eye injury from road dust while driving through Nebraska. Couldnt see clearly for three days. Suddenly I understood why screen readers matter. Now I write alt text for every image I post online. Anyone else had a moment where a disability scenario hit close to home?

2 comments

2 Comments

adamcoleman4d ago

Held the same opinion honestly. Alt text felt like something for technical people or accessibility experts, not something a regular poster needed to worry about. Then my cousin had a temporary vision issue from a migraine and I watched her struggle to use her phone for a week. Really opened my eyes to how much we rely on being able to see stuff. That experience pushed me to add descriptions to my posts now, even if it feels awkward sometimes. It is such a small thing to do and it can make a huge difference for someone.

uma8964d ago

Yeah that's exactly it. It's one of those things you don't think about until you're the one who can't see the picture. I've caught myself doing the same with other stuff too, like holding doors for people or stepping aside on a narrow sidewalk. Small stuff that barely takes a second but can really mess someone's day up if you don't do it. It's like we all just walk around assuming everyone else has the same eyes and legs and hands we do.