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:

1. Locate the <area> element with inadequate or missing alternative text.
2. If missing, add an alt attribute describing the function of the image map.
3. If inadequate, rewrite the alternative text to provide a clear and precise description of the image map function.

Resources

• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 1.1.1
• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 2.4.4
• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 2.4.9
• WCAG 2.2 Techniques: Technique H24: Providing text alternatives for the area elements of image maps
• WebAIM: Alternative Text