Accessibility Enhancements for Image-Based Reusable Component

The DTO team is pleased to announce new accessibility enhancements for several reusable components that display images or visual media to users, including:

• Article Image
• Brightcove (no authoring changes required)
• Featured Tile
• Slideshow
• SundaySky

Why This Matters

Images and visual media play an important role in creating engaging, informative, and user-friendly digital experiences. They can help users better understand content, provide valuable context, and support individuals with cognitive or learning disabilities.

For users who are blind or have low vision and rely on screen readers and other assistive technologies, properly configured image accessibility attributes are essential. When images are published without appropriate alternative text (alt text) or are not correctly identified as decorative when applicable, important information may be missed, creating a less effective user experience.

What's Changing?

To support our ongoing commitment to accessibility, enhancements have been made to these image-based reusable components to improve how accessibility information is managed for images displayed on pages and page sections that are not powered by Content Fragments.

These updates will help ensure that visual content can be properly authored with the appropriate accessibility attributes, supporting accessibility best practices and helping create a more inclusive experience for all site visitors.

Updated Training Available

To help authors adopt these enhancements, the Design System training pages for all affected components have been updated with the latest accessibility guidance and authoring instructions.

Authors who work with any of the components listed above are encouraged to review the updated documentation and training materials to become familiar with the new accessibility fields and recommended authoring practices.

Thank you for your continued commitment to creating accessible and inclusive digital experiences.