WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A)

Check ID 106: Alternative text for formulas

What

A formula must have alternative text that expresses it. The automated check finds formulas where the alternative text is missing or empty. Formulas that do have alternative text are flagged for an assisted check, where you confirm that the text actually expresses the formula.

Why

A formula in a PDF is often drawn as a picture or as specially positioned symbols, which a screen reader, the technology blind people typically use to have a document read aloud and to understand its structure, cannot read out as a meaningful expression. The alternative text informs people who cannot see the formula know what it says.

Who

Affected users

This check affects users with:

• Visual impairments: Who access the site content with a screen reader.

User story

WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A)

Check ID 106: Alternative text for formulas

What

A formula must have alternative text that expresses it. The automated check finds formulas where the alternative text is missing or empty. Formulas that do have alternative text are flagged for an assisted check, where you confirm that the text actually expresses the formula.

Why

A formula in a PDF is often drawn as a picture or as specially positioned symbols, which a screen reader, the technology blind people typically use to have a document read aloud and to understand its structure, cannot read out as a meaningful expression. The alternative text informs people who cannot see the formula know what it says.

Who

Affected users

This check affects users with:

• Visual impairments: Who access the site content with a screen reader.

User story

 

 

How

Web Governance highlights formulas that have alternative text in the PDF file. Your task is to confirm that the alternative text expresses the forumula in a way that makes sense when spoken aloud.

Test your alternative text with a screen reader to ensure that it is correctly communicated.

How to review it

For instructions on how to review the issue, read How to review an accessibility issue.

Example

• For E = mc², enter the alternative text as: E equals m times c squared 

Additional resources

WCAG success criteria

• 1.1.1 Non-Text Content