Using alt text to make science Twitter more accessible for people with visual impairments

Domenico Chiarella; Justin Yarbrough; Christopher A-L Jackson

doi:10.1038/s41467-020-19640-w

Using alt text to make science Twitter more accessible for people with visual impairments

Nat Commun. 2020 Nov 16;11(1):5803. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-19640-w.

Authors

Domenico Chiarella¹, Justin Yarbrough², Christopher A-L Jackson³

Affiliations

¹ Clastic Sedimentology Investigation (CSI), Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, London, UK. domenico.chiarella@rhul.ac.uk.
² Digital Accessibility Specialist, Instructional Media and Design, Rio Salado College, Tempe, AZ, USA.
³ Basin Research Group (BRG), Department of Earth Science & Engineering, Imperial College, London, UK.

Abstract

Scientists increasingly post images and photos on social media to share their research activities. However, posting images and photos could potentially exclude people with visual impairments. Here, we outline actions that should be taken to foster accessibility and inclusion in posting scientific images on social media.

MeSH terms

Animals
Chlorocebus aethiops
Humans
Science*
Social Media*
Vero Cells
Visually Impaired Persons*