OAJ Events

OAJ presents alt text courses for journalists

Due to popular demand, the complete in-depth class will be live on Zoom for reporters, editors, and independent journalists in November

Alt text for journalists presented by the Organization for Accessible Journalism

For the last two years, journalists have been able to sample the “Alt text for journalists” course at conferences such as IRE’s NICAR and AccessFest, while news outlets have been able to schedule the full course for their journalists. Responding to popular demand, we are bringing the full course to journalists everywhere Nov. 14, 2026.

The course is split into two sessions.

In session one, taught by OAJ’s chief of editorial and accessibility Stacy Kess, journalists will:

  • Learn about the purpose behind alt text.
  • Learn what goes into alt text.
  • Learn how to understand what information goes into alt text versus a photo cutline.
  • Learn tips and tricks to make alt text an easy part of your workflow.
  • Get hands-on practice in writing alt text with feedback.

Session one is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14. Each ticket is $50.

In session two, taught by OAJ’s accessibility consultant Emilia Ruzicka, journalists will:

  • Learn about different ways to apply alt text to data visualizations.
  • Learn about what goes into alt text for a data visualization.
  • Learn tips and tricks for writing alt text for data visualizations.
  • Get hands-on practice in writing alt text with feedback.

Session two is scheduled for 1:30 to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14. Each ticket is $50.

Journalists who want to attend both sessions will receiver a $15 dollar discount buy purchasing the bundle package for $85.