Image Alt Text Accessibility Skill

Canonical source: examples/IMAGE_ALT_TEXT_ACCESSIBILITY_BEST_PRACTICES.md in mgifford/ACCESSIBILITY.md This skill is derived from that file. When in doubt, the example is authoritative.

Apply these rules when creating, reviewing, or auditing any page containing images. Only load this skill if the project contains <img> elements, inline SVG images used as content, or CSS background images that may convey meaning.

Core Mandate

WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.1.1 — Non-text Content (Level A): every non-text element must have a text alternative conveying the same meaning and purpose. There are no exceptions for decorative images — those require an explicit empty alt attribute.

Automated tools can flag missing alt text, but only human judgment can determine whether alt text is meaningful and appropriate for the context.

Severity Scale (this skill)