See the Web: New AI-Powered Chrome Extension Describes Images for the Visually Impaired

A new Chrome extension, Image Describer, uses the power of AI to make the internet more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. It provides image descriptions through the context menu or a simple keyboard shortcut. The description is read aloud and also displayed as text.

More Than Just a Description

Image Describer goes beyond basic image recognition. It considers the surrounding context of the webpage to create a more useful and complete description. This added context helps paint a clearer picture of what’s happening on the screen. Imagine a picture of a dog on a beach. Instead of just saying “dog,” the extension might say “A golden retriever playing fetch on a sunny beach.”

The extension also supports multi-turn conversations. If the initial description isn’t clear enough, users can ask follow-up questions to get more details. This interactive element makes the experience more engaging and personalized.

How It Works

Users can activate Image Describer in two ways:

• Right-click context menu: Right-click on an image and select “Describe Image.”
• Keyboard shortcut: Use a designated keyboard shortcut for quick access.

The extension then analyzes the image and its surrounding context to generate a description. This description is then both read aloud and displayed as text.

Respecting Existing Accessibility Efforts

Importantly, Image Describer doesn’t interfere with existing alt text. Alt text is crucial for accessibility and is already used by screen readers. This extension supplements the alt text by providing additional context, enhancing the browsing experience without overriding existing efforts.

Feedback Welcome

The developer is actively seeking feedback, especially from blind and low vision users. As a new project, community input is vital for making the extension as useful and effective as possible.

The Future of Image Accessibility

Image Describer represents a positive step towards a more inclusive web. Tools like this have the potential to significantly improve online experiences for millions of people. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative solutions for web accessibility.