AI AND ACCESSIBILITY IN PUBLISHING:

A Strategic Path to Inclusivity

In the publishing industry, accessibility is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. With the introduction of new regulations like the European Accessibility Act, alongside the established Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), publishers are now tasked with ensuring that their content is accessible to all individuals. This shift underscores the growing need to meet global standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which aim to make digital content usable for people with disabilities.

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the role of ai in advancing accessibility

Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful ally in this space, offering tools to help publishers meet accessibility requirements more efficiently. One standout innovation from Six Red Marbles is our Alt Text Generator, a tool that automates the creation of alt text for images, making accessibility scalable for large publishing projects.

AI brings numerous advantages by automating traditionally labor-intensive processes involved in making digital content accessible. Here are a few ways AI is revolutionizing accessibility in publishing:

Automated Alt Text Generation
AI-driven tools can generate alternative text (alt text) for images automatically. This is critical for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers, and automating this process reduces manual effort while improving accuracy.
Text-to-Speech and Transcription
AI-powered solutions can convert written text into spoken words and transcribe multimedia content, ensuring that users with visual or hearing impairments can access information easily.
Semantic Analysis for Accessibility
AI can analyze text structure and meaning to ensure that content meets accessibility standards, adjust reading levels, and improve formatting to support individuals with cognitive disabilities.

While AI significantly accelerates these processes, human oversight remains essential, particularly for specialized or context-sensitive content. Balancing AI-supported content creation with human intervention ensures that the highest standards of accessibility are met on every project.

alt text generator: enhancing accessibility

Six Red Marbles’ Alt Text Generator is a leading solution for publishers seeking to streamline the creation, review, and customization of alt text at scale. Our solution offers a suite of features that enhance both efficiency and accuracy:

Bulk Image Upload
Save time and enhance efficiency by uploading multiple images at once. This feature is perfect for large-scale projects that involve numerous visuals.
Alt Text Review and Customization
The tool automatically generates alt text, but users have the flexibility to review and refine it through an intuitive chat interface. This ensures that the text accurately reflects the content and context of each image.
Keyword Generation
Automatic generation of relevant keywords for images aids in better categorization and improved search functionality, making it easier for users to find and navigate content.
Bulk Alt Text Download in Excel
Export all generated alt text into an Excel file for streamlined project management and organization, facilitating easy integration into existing workflows.
Support for Multiple SMEs
Create and manage multiple subject matter expert (SME) accounts, enabling collaborative work and enhancing overall efficiency in content creation and review processes.
Multilingual Alt Text Generation
The tool can generate alt text in multiple languages—Spanish, German, French, and more—to help global publishers meet the needs of diverse audiences.

security and compliance at the core

Security and Compliance at the Core

Our Alt Text Generator prioritizes data security and compliance with content guidelines, ensuring that user data and content are protected throughout the process.

Security features include:

Data and Image Security
Hosted in a secure Azure environment using the OpenAI model, the tool adheres to stringent privacy and security protocols to protect sensitive data.
User Authentication
Robust authentication mechanisms ensure that only authorized users can access and manage content.
Data Handling Protocols
The tool maintains the confidentiality and integrity of images and user data, ensuring that all information is handled securely.
Compliance with Content Guidelines
Publishers can confidently use the tool knowing it complies with both accessibility standards and content restrictions, including multi-class content filtering to ensure that only appropriate material is processed.

The Alt Text Generator by Six Red Marbles marks a significant advancement in how publishers approach accessibility. By automating alt text creation, this tool not only simplifies the process but also ensures that content adheres to global accessibility standards. While AI offers immense potential, it’s most effective when paired with human expertise, ensuring that content is both inclusive and compliant.

As the publishing industry continues to evolve, Six Red Marbles remains at the forefront of accessibility innovation, helping publishers create content that is accessible to all—one alt text at a time. Fill out the form above to get started.

Why Choose six red marbles?

We’re more than a service provider—we’re your strategic partner, invested in every phase of your project from concept to implementation.

With Six Red Marbles, you get:

Expertise Across All Learning Environments: We understand the nuances of in-person, online, and hybrid learning, ensuring that every solution aligns with your organization’s unique needs.
Technology that Elevates Learning: Our AI-enabled solutions, immersive content, and data-driven insights bring a modern touch to traditional education.
A Collaborative Approach: Your goals are our goals. We work alongside your team, ensuring every project reflects your vision and values.

Our Unique Value for Each Sector

Publishing: Digital conversions, eBooks, interactive enhancements, and content updates that keep publishers at the forefront of educational and reference materials.
K-12 Schools & Districts: Curriculum alignment, SEL integration, content customization, and digital learning support—giving students the tools they need to thrive from elementary to high school.
Higher Education: Innovative course design, faculty support, and a deep understanding of academic standards that make SRM a trusted partner for public, private, large, and small institutions.
Ed Tech Companies: Content development, interactives, and tech solutions that bring your educational products to life.
Adult Education: Adaptive learning models, upskilling pathways, and professional development designed to meet the needs of today’s adult learners.

Check out some of our other solutions.

COURSE DEVELOPMENT

Needs analysis
Program design
Course design templates
LMS support
Content mapping
Subject matter expertise
Syllabi & lesson plans

AI-ENABLED SOLUTIONS

Learning games and gamification
Interactive simulations
Software and media development
3D model development
ePUB development (reflowable, fixed format, MOBI)
LMS integration

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

Content analysis
Scope & sequence development
Program & course descriptions
Research
Standards correlations
Assessments
Writing & editing