What are the accessibility considerations for images used in Wikipedia articles?

Accessibility considerations for images in Wikipedia articles center on ensuring that users with disabilities, particularly visual impairments, can access and understand the information conveyed by the images. The most important aspect is providing alt text (alternative text) for every image. Alt text is a brief, descriptive text that appears if the image fails to load or is read aloud by screen readers for visually impaired users. This text should accurately describe the image's content and function within the context of the article. Images should also be appropriately sized and positioned to avoid disrupting the article's layout or making it difficult to read. Avoid using images solely for decorative purposes; every image should contribute meaningfully to the reader's understanding of the topic. When depicting people, consider the potential for bias and strive for representation that is inclusive and respectful. Complex images, such as charts or diagrams, may require longer descriptions or accompanying text to fully explain their content to users with visual impairments. For example, if an article includes a photograph of Albert Einstein, the alt text should describe the image (e.g., 'Albert Einstein, a middle-aged man with white hair, sitting at a desk').