Alternative Text In Image Maps’ Area Elements Check
Description
The “Alternative Text In Image Maps’ Area Elements Check” evaluates whether all <area> elements used in image maps include a valid, descriptive alt attribute.
Example outcome
I noticed that all active <area> of the image maps in the webpage use the alt attribute.
Impact
- Visual Impairments: Without alt attributes, screen readers will skip over
<area>elements or announce them without context, making navigation impossible. - Motor Impairments: People with motor impairments may tab to
<area>regions without knowing their purpose, disrupting flow and usability. - Cognitive Disabilities: Users with cognitive disabilities may rely on screen reader output or text-to-speech and will be confused by the lack of descriptive labels for interactive areas.
Fixes
To address missing or inadequate alt text:
- Locate the
<area>element with inadequate or missing alternative text. - If missing, add an
altattribute describing the function of the image map. - If inadequate, rewrite the alternative text to provide a clear and precise description of the image map function.