Converting Inaccessible Mathematical Expressions using Equatio

Every image on a computer application has an alternative text attached to it. Alternative text descriptions of images (alt text) are used by screen readers, such as Read Speaker and Read and Write, to convey the image information to the users. Mathematical formulas and expressions are displayed as images in D2L and other applications. Several image formats can be used, the most common is .png. The alt text of the image must contain a description of the mathematical expression. For example, the mathematical formula “y=x2+4” alt text should be (y equals x squared plus 4). These are the instructions on how to access the alt text of an image in the D2L Editor:

  1. Select an image (a blue rectangle with blue squares on the corners will appear), then Right-click on the image. Select [Image…].

    Screenshot of a selected image in the D2L editor with a blue outline, showing the right‑click context menu and the “Image…” option highlighted.

  2.  View the alternative text generated.

    Screenshot of the Image Properties window in the D2L editor displaying the alternative text field for the selected image.

An inaccessible mathematical formula is a mathematical formula that contains a null or wrong alt text. Using the Equatio Screenshot Reader, it is possible to generate a new mathematical formula image with the adequate alt text to replace this inaccessible image.

  1. First open D2L Editor where the inaccessible image is placed.

  2. Open Google Chrome Equatio Extension located on the Google Chrome toolbar Equatio shortcut button () or under the extension button ( ).

    Equatio Google Chrome extension icon shown on the browser toolbar.
  3. Select the Equatio Screenshot Reader.

    Screenshot of the Equatio menu with the Screenshot Reader option selected.
  4. Select the image.

    Screenshot showing a mathematical expression image selected for capture using Equatio Screenshot Reader.
  5. Select More Options.

    Screenshot of Equatio options menu with the “More Options” button visible.
  6. Select Edit with Equatio.

    Screenshot showing the “Edit with Equatio” option selected from the Equatio menu.
  7. Click on the Insert math button.

    Screenshot of the Equatio editor interface with the “Insert math” button visible.
  8. Click on the D2L Editor box and the new accessible mathematical expression image will appear.

    Screenshot of the D2L editor displaying a newly inserted accessible mathematical expression image.
  9. Select and delete the inaccessible mathematical expression image and check the new image alt text generated with Equatio Google Chrome Extension. 

    Screenshot showing the accessible mathematical expression image selected in the D2L editor with its generated alternative text.