Since we optimized our HTML markup for WCAG 2.0, we have a lot of (sometimes ugly) image descriptions in the google search results including our google site search. Does anyone knows a way to hide them from the result descriptions?
Example:
<h1>fiscal authority</h1>
<img src="..." alt="The image shows the entrance of the fiscal authority" />
<p>
The fiscal authority is...
</p>
Search result:
Fiscal authority
----------------
The Image shows the entrance of the fiscal authority The fiscal authority is...
We cannot...
alt="" attributeA visitor using a screen reader should get the alt text. I believe this should be a common problem with WCAG and I like to hear how other developers solved this issue?
WCAG Technique H67 clearly states that:
The purpose of this technique is to show how images can be marked so that they can be ignored by Assistive Technology.
If no title attribute is used, and the alt text is set to null (i.e. alt="") it indicates to assistive technology that the image can be safely ignored.
Given that BITV very clearly follows the WCAG standard, then an empty alt tag for a purely decorative image (like a doorway) is perfectly fine. It is important to recognise that WCAG is a set of highly subjective recommendations and techniques. Many tests are non-automatable, so if you can appropriately argue compliance than that is enough.
Consider the following:
<h1>fiscal authority</h1>
<img src="doorway.bmp" alt="" />
<p>
The fiscal authority is an institute for authorising fiduciary claims.
</p>
Here the existence of the doorway is purely a decoration.
And contrast with:
<h1>Doorway</h1>
<img src="doorway.bmp" alt="A Victorian-style doorway with beveled edging." />
<p>
A doorway is a hole cut in a wall to allow passage between rooms.
</p>
This is an image of a doorway that adds context to the text (although the image might be better placed).