Why ThinkGlobal HR and ThinkEDI Always Use Image Descriptions

At ThinkGlobal HR and ThinkEDI, we’re committed to making our content accessible to everyone. Accessibility isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s a core value. One simple but powerful way we promote inclusivity is by always using image descriptions. Let’s dive into why we do this, some surprising statistics about screen reader use, and a few best practices for writing accessible content online.

Why Are Image Descriptions Important?

Image descriptions provide crucial information for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have cognitive disabilities. Screen readers, the technology that converts text into speech or Braille, can only interpret words—not images. Without descriptions, images become gaps in the content for users relying on screen readers. Imagine scrolling through an article and missing half the story because parts of it aren’t accessible to you—that’s what it’s like for screen reader users when images lack descriptions.

Using image descriptions ensures that everyone, regardless of their vision, can fully engage with our content. And it’s not a small group who benefit from this; research shows a significant number of people use or want to use screen readers.

How Many People Use or Want to Use a Screen Reader?

The statistics around screen reader usage show just how necessary image descriptions are. According to WebAIM’s 2021 Screen Reader User Survey, approximately 71.5% of screen reader users rely on them regularly. But it’s not just people who are blind or have low vision who find screen readers helpful—many neurodivergent individuals and people with certain learning disabilities benefit from them as well. With an aging population, the demand for screen readers is expected to increase, as more people may require visual assistance over time.

These numbers emphasize the importance of making digital content inclusive. By providing image descriptions, we’re not just enhancing accessibility; we’re serving a broad and diverse audience.