Accessibility Guide: Adding Alternative Text to Images in PowerPoint and Canvas

Adding Alt Text in Microsoft PowerPoint 

Steps: 

  1. Open your PowerPoint presentation. 

  1. Right-click on the image you want to add alt text to. 

  1. Select 'View Alt Text' or 'Edit Alt Text' from the context menu. 

  1. Enter a concise, descriptive explanation of the image in the Alt Text pane. 

  1. Close the Alt Text pane. The text is now saved with the image. 

Note: Avoid phrases like 'image of' or 'picture of'. Screen readers already announce it as an image. 

🖼️ Adding Alt Text in Instructure Canvas 

Steps: 

  1. Navigate to the page or assignment in Canvas where the image is located. 

  1. Click 'Edit' to enter the Rich Content Editor. 

  1. Click on the image to select it. 

  1. Click the 'Image Options' or 'Embed Image' icon in the toolbar. 

  1. In the Alt Text field, provide a descriptive explanation of the image. 

  1. Click 'Done' or 'Save' to apply the changes. 

Note: Ensure alt text is meaningful and specific to the image’s educational purpose. 

✅ Why Adding Alt Text is Important 

• Ensures accessibility for users relying on screen readers. 

• Helps meet legal compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., ADA, WCAG). 

• Improves usability for all learners, especially in image-heavy content. 

• Provides context when images fail to load. 

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