Success Criterion 1.1.1
Conformance level A

Figure Caption That Doesn’t Describe Its Own Image

1.1.1 — Non-text Content

Scenario

Setting

A public library's catalog search

What’s wrong

Figure/figcaption misuse where the caption doesn't describe the image and no alt exists.

Example

<img src="chart.png">

Why it matters

Blind and low-vision people using screen readers, and anyone who browses with images disabled, when icons or photos carry meaning.

How to test

Compare the figcaption text to the image's own alt attribute: figcaption should add commentary, not substitute for a missing alt — check the image separately still has one.

How to fix

Give the image alt text; use figcaption for commentary, not as a substitute for alt.

<img src="chart.png" alt="Q3 revenue chart showing 12% growth">

The alt attribute gives assistive technology the same information the image conveys visually.

Outcome

On a public library's catalog search, this barrier is gone for blind and low-vision people using screen readers — they can finish what they came here to do.

Who is affected