Describing an image will ensure that it is made as accessible as possible. Not everybody can see an image, so any information within the image may be lost.
Describing removed images
There may be instances where you decide that an image provided for sighted people is not the best way to communicate a piece of information to a blind or partially sighted person and a description will be required to take its place. This is necessary whether it is a tactile, large print or mainstream image being removed.
It is important that information provided for sighted people is also made available to blind and partially sighted people, even if the way the information is given is different.
Tips to produce effective descriptions of removed images
To create an effective description to replace an image:
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State that an image has been removed: insert a note within the main body of the accompanying text to state that an image has been removed.
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Include the title or reference number of the image if it had one: text can be cross-referenced to the source image if necessary. This might be important for blind or partially sighted students working alongside sighted students.
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Assess what information the image is conveying: if an image is decorative, for example a tree, a short note stating an image of a tree has been removed could suffice. If the image is giving a bit more information, for example a tree shown in autumn with red and orange leaves, then this information needs to be included. If the image is more academic, for example a diseased tree shown with brown leaves with yellow spots, then the tree along with the detail of the diseased leaves needs to be described carefully and accurately.
Including a description of a removed image differs from describing large print images or supporting tactile graphics, as the story of the image needs to be described as opposed to the navigational layout.
Look at the page when to use large print images for guidance on deciding whether an image should be used or not.