In a digital environment, such as on a web page, alternative text (alt text) is a narrative text that illustrates the significance and context of a visual component. It is an alternate key method in providing written material about images and graphics that are rather difficult to analyze by certain individuals due to inevitable reasons.

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, but who is to acknowledge the details that can go unnoticed by visually impaired individuals if the data shared is majorly visual? In a climate where people with disabilities are assuming central roles in multiple organizations, an inability to provide alternative ways of transmitting visual data can be a drawback in growth and development.

Alt-text writers should illustrate an ability to comprehend the nuances and intricacies of graphical diagrams and images, the workings, and technicalities, and tap into the precise way of representing the details in the written format. It is essential that alt-text writers are able to understand concepts of an image appropriately, and preferably better than others. This expertise can lend itself to curating accessible texts, guides, and manuals for people with learning disabilities and visual challenges.