In October a new movement was launched by Blind & Low Vision NZ. The goal to to make the Internet more accessible by asking us to use the ‘Alt Text’ function when publishing digital images in the ‘#AltTextForAll Movement’.

It involves using the ‘Alt Text’ function to describe images which are uploaded. This is so people with sight loss can participate in the visually-driven digital world by describing the image. More than 6.6 billion images are uploaded everyday to the Internet, but in most cases there is either no description available or a poor attempt made by an AI Bot, which can be inadequate.

To solve the problem ‘#AltTextForAll Movement’ will see the descriptions added to images. The call is coming in the form of an online video featuring Karen, the digital Alt Text voice, explaining ‘Alt Text’.

Blind & Low Vision NZ general manager of marketing and communications Louise von Sierakowski says the #AltTextForAll Movement is easy to get on board with.

“It seems many people aren’t aware of the role Alt Text can play for screen reader users. We hope through this movement that people take a step forward in supporting how those who are blind or have low vision can have independent access to information. It’s simple, but it’s really important.”

Alongside the hero video is a series of smaller videos aimed at international celebrities and organisations, including Ryan Reynolds, Chris Hemsworth, BBC, Ellen, National Geographic and Humans of New York.