#43268
Speaker(s)
- Melanie Eley, Web Accessibility Coordinator, UNC Greensboro
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Creating accessible image descriptions for complex visuals can be difficult to scale across course content. This session explores how AI tools can be used as collaborative partners to support this work without sacrificing quality or judgment. Participants will learn how accessibility decisions shape effective alt text and long descriptions, how to apply a two-part strategy for complex images, and where AI fits responsibly into that process.
Abstract
Creating accessible image descriptions – especially for charts, graphs, and other complex visuals – is a persistent instructional challenge in higher education. Faculty and instructional support teams must balance accessibility with learning outcomes and student engagement, which is often easily understood in theory, but difficult to achieve in practice.
This session explores how AI tools can be intentionally integrated into teaching and learning workflows to support accessible image descriptions while preserving course design, learning outcomes, and overall content quality. The session’s focus centers on the decision-making process behind effective alt text and long descriptions, with emphasis on how instructional context, course goals, and student learning outcomes shape what information must be conveyed through text descriptions. Participants will learn how to identify image types, determine when descriptions are needed, and apply a practical two-part strategy for complex images using concise alt text paired with full descriptions provided in easily accessible locations.
Through instructional examples drawn from common teaching materials, the session demonstrates how AI tools can be used to generate first-draft descriptions, identify key visual details, and help course designers get started more efficiently. Emphasis is also placed on the critical role of human expertise in reviewing, refining, and aligning AI-generated content with course objectives and accessibility standards.
Rather than positioning AI as a shortcut or replacement, this session frames AI as a teaching and learning support tool that enables more sustainable practices across courses and programs. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for integrating AI into course design workflows while maintaining human-centered, student-focused accessibility practices.
Keypoints
- Effective image descriptions depend on context and learning goals, not on tools alone.
- Complex images need concise alt text along with full descriptions placed in easily accessible locations.
- AI can create first drafts, but human judgment is required to ensure accuracy and appropriate context.
Disability Areas
Vision
Topic Areas
Accessible Course Design, Alternate Format, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Melanie Eley
Melanie Eley is the Web Accessibility Coordinator at UNCG and works with faculty to incorporate accessibility into their courses through the use of design techniques and pedagogical frameworks that support accessible content. Melanie also works collaboratively on campus-wide initiatives to improve the accessibility of all university online content. Melanie received her B.A. in Psychology (University of Lynchburg), and her M.S. in Counseling (NC A&T State University). Melanie’s special interests include collaborative strategic planning and inclusive pedagogies, with a specific focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as it has the capacity to open learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities.