Rule ID: ace-media-object-alt

Verify that embedded object elements include descriptive alternative text

WCAG 2.0 (A) - WCAG 2.2 (A) 1.1.1: Non-text Content Blind Deafblind Legal Risk

What This Rule Checks

For users who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, the content within an <object> element needs to be properly described so that they understand the purpose or function of the object. If the <object> element lacks a descriptive text alternative, users who cannot see the visual content may not be able to interact with or comprehend the information being conveyed.

Who Is Affected

This issue primarily affects: Blind users, who rely entirely on screen readers or braille displays to navigate and interact with content; Deafblind users, who rely on braille displays and cannot access visual or auditory content.

Why This Matters

Embedded objects without alternative text are invisible to screen reader users. The fallback content inside <object> tags also serves as the accessible description. This violates WCAG 1.1.1 (Non-text Content).

How to Fix

Ensure that each <object> element includes either an alt attribute, an aria-label, or an aria-labelledby attribute to provide a text alternative. For purely decorative objects, consider using the role=”presentation” or role=”none” attributes to hide them from screen readers.

Code Examples

Incorrect Markup Solutions:

Code example

<!-- Object with no alternative text -->
<object
  data="animation.swf"
  type="application/x-shockwave-flash">
</object>

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Correct Markup Solutions:

Code example

<!-- Object with fallback text -->
<object
  data="animation.swf"
  type="application/x-shockwave-flash">
  <p>
    Interactive animation showing the product assembly process.
  </p>
</object>

<!-- Or using aria-label -->
<object
  data="chart.swf"
  aria-label="Sales performance chart for Q3 2025">
</object>

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving <object> elements completely empty with no fallback content.
Providing fallback content that doesn’t describe the embedded object’s purpose.
Not considering that many embedded object formats (Flash, Java) are obsolete.

AI Auto-Fix Available

This rule supports ACE™ AI Auto-Fix. When a violation is detected, ACE can automatically generate a code fix for review. The AI analyzes the specific element in context and proposes a targeted remediation that preserves your existing markup and styling. You can preview, modify, and approve the fix before it is applied.

Tip: Multimedia content must be accessible to users who cannot see or hear. Provide captions for video, transcripts for audio, and text descriptions for visual-only content. Always include user-controllable playback.

Related WCAG Criteria

1.1.1: Non-text Content