SAMHSA's Section 508 Resources

Adobe PDF FAQs

How do I add Long Descriptive to My Graphics And Charts?

In some instances, an image is too complex to describe in a few words. Charts and graphs are primary examples of such images. Although there does not appear to be any limit to the length of text in an "alt" attribute, "alt text" is meant to be relatively brief and to the point.

By adding the long description text immediately following the graphic you will add information that can be used by all readers, not just those with disabilities. See how this is accomplished with an image graph:

Description:

The above bar graph shows the percentage of total U.S. non-institutionalized population age 16-64 declaring one or more diabilities. The percentage value of each category is as follows:

• Total declaring one or more disabilities: 18.6 percent
• Sensory (visual and hearing): 2.3 percent
• Physical: 6.2 percent
• Mental: 3.8 percent
• Self-care: 1.8 percent
• Difficulty going outside the home: 6.4 percent
• Employment disability: 11.9 percent

(Data retrieved from U.S. Census 2000)

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Last Update: 11/14/2008