"image of text" definition needs clarification

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.

Received on Tuesday, 22 November 2011 20:38:37 UTC