Re: "image of text" definition needs clarification

On Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 12:38 PM, <noreply@w3.org> wrote:

>
> Name: Web Standards Office
> Email: ws-nw@tbs-sct.gc.ca
> Affiliation: Treasury Board Secretariat, Government of Canada
> Document: W2
> Item Number: Appendix A: Glossary
> Part of Item:
> Comment Type: technical
> Summary of Issue: "image of text" definition needs clarification
> Comment (Including rationale for any proposed change):
> We are requesting clarification for the "image of text" definition in WCAG
> 2.0 because it is a bit ambiguous, leading to multiple interpretations,
> which is ultimately affecting the perceived scope of Success Criterion
> 1.4.5.
>
> The way the definition has been worded is making it unclear whether
> abstract visual representations included in images (such as charts, graphs,
> and diagrams) fall under "image of text". This causes some to interpret
> images of charts, graphs, and diagrams to fall within the scope of SC 1.4.5.
>
> The sticking point in the definition is the interpretation of "Note",
> where "picture" rather than "image" is used as part of the exception. The
> problem is that a picture is not really synonymous with charts, graphs, or
> diagrams which has led some to interpret that the exception does not apply
> to those types of images. This interpretation is further strengthened by a
> photograph being the only example of a picture with significant other
> content.
>
> In discussion with others familiar with the development of WCAG 2.0, they
> indicated that the images of text definition was not meant to cover charts,
> graphs, or diagrams and that it was only intended to cover images where the
> text was the primary source of information. Considering this, do you agree
> with the following additional clarification for the definition:
>
> Note: This does not include text that is part of a picture, graph, chart,
> diagram or image that conveys important information visually through more
> than just the text.
>
> If you do agree, can you please provide written confirmation and also make
> the change to the "image of text" definition?
>
> Proposed Change:
> In Appendix A, "image of text" definition (and other instances of the
> definition in the Understanding and Techniques documents), change:
>
> Note: This does not include text that is part of a picture that contains
> significant other visual content.
>
> To:
>
> Note: This does not include text that is part of a picture, graph, chart,
> diagram or image that conveys important information visually through more
> than just the text.
>
> ================================
Response from the Working Group
================================
We cannot change the normative document, since it is a W3C Recommendation.
However, we will add the following to Understanding SC 1.4.5 and
Understanding SC 1.4.9:

"The definition of image of text contains the note:

Note: This does not include text that is part of a picture that contains
significant other visual content.

Examples of such pictures include graphs, screenshots, and diagrams which
visually convey important information through more than just text."


Loretta Guarino Reid, WCAG WG Co-Chair
Gregg Vanderheiden, WCAG WG Co-Chair
Michael Cooper, WCAG WG Staff Contact


On behalf of the WCAG Working Group