The Forest Witch Apothecary

Accessibility Practices for Images

Plant Library & Educational Content

Purpose

This policy defines how images are used and described to ensure all visual content is accessible to users of assistive technologies and compliant with WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text Content).

Our goal is to provide equivalent information, not decorative or interpretive substitutes.

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Plant library images

  • Herbal preparation method images

  • Educational blog images used for instruction or reference

It does not apply to purely decorative images, which are handled separately.

Image Classification Framework

Each image is assigned one role before text alternatives are written.

1. Informational Images

(Primary category for the plant library)

Definition:
Images that convey information necessary for understanding, identification, or learning.

Examples:

  • Plant identification photos

  • Preparation method visuals (infusion, decoction, tincture)

  • Ingredient or material images

Requirements:

  • Alt text describes observable, objective features only

  • No emotional, poetic, or marketing language

  • No assumptions about benefits or use

  • Description allows the image to be removed without loss of meaning

2. Functional Images

Definition:
Images that perform an action (links, buttons, navigation).

Requirements:

  • Text alternative describes the function, not appearance

  • Visual details are irrelevant

(Example: “Open tincture preparation guide”)

3. Decorative Images

Definition:
Images that add no informational value.

Requirements:

  • Assigned empty alt text (alt="")

  • Hidden from screen readers

Decorative images are never used to convey plant knowledge.

Text Alternative Standards

Alt Text

  • Concise and literal

  • Typically under ~125 characters

  • Describes what is visible, not what is implied

  • Avoids sensory language (e.g., beautiful, calming, cozy)

  • Does not repeat nearby visible text

Purpose: Provide the same information a sighted user gains at a glance.

Captions (when used)

  • Visible to all users

  • Clarifies context or category

  • May describe preparation method or plant type

  • Does not duplicate alt text word-for-word

Image Descriptions (Long Descriptions)

  • Plain, instructional language

  • Adds context without redundancy

  • Explains relevance if the image supports learning

  • Avoids metaphor, storytelling, or interpretation

What We Explicitly Avoid

  • Over-description

  • Redundant alt text and captions

  • Marketing or health claims

  • Emotional or aesthetic framing

  • Guessing user intent

Compliance Statement

All non-text content is evaluated by purpose and provided with appropriate text alternatives. Informational images include concise alt text conveying observable features. Decorative images are excluded from assistive technologies using empty alt attributes. This approach aligns with WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text Content).

Review & Consistency

  • Similar images use consistent alt text structure

  • Preparation methods follow a shared language pattern

  • Plant images prioritize identification over interpretation

Guiding Principle

If the image were removed, the remaining text should still allow a user to understand what is present and why it matters.

If you encounter an image that is difficult to access, please contact us so we can improve it.