Freelock’s Day 10 Advent Calendar Post on Accessible Non-Text Content

Staff Reporter

Freelock’s Day 10 entry in its Drupal Advent Calendar examines how to make non-text content accessible by focusing on meaning and purpose rather than surface description. The post centers on WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content and explains that alt text should provide an equivalent experience for users of assistive technologies, not a literal or exhaustive description of visual details.

The article explains how context determines appropriate alt text, noting that the same image may require different descriptions depending on how it is used. It also clarifies when an empty alt attribute is correct, such as for decorative images or visuals that repeat nearby text, and stresses that functional images should describe the action they perform rather than their appearance.

Freelock also addresses more complex cases including charts, icons, SVGs, and CAPTCHAs, outlining techniques for providing accessible alternatives. The post highlights Drupal’s support for alt text through its media system and discusses AI-assisted tools that can generate draft alt text, concluding that thoughtful review and testing are essential to ensure non-text content truly serves all users.

Reference: What Does That Image Say? Non-text Content by John Locke, Freelock (10 December 2025)

Freelock

Accessibility

WCAG

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