The Lab Rubric specifies that if example code or code fragments are given, they should be presented in text format or as a screen capture with descriptive text.
Instructors ofter provide example code or code fragments as screen captures. Often, this is done because it requires that the student actually type in the code themselves instead of copying and pasting it. This helps the student to develop their attention to detail, and provides opportunities for the student to practice debugging when they make an error. For example, the following image shows a screen capture from a Lynda.com video with some PHP code:
This image is used in a CIS 195P course shell, with the alt text "string function examples," and directions state that the student should "Be sure to type and test all of the code shown here." However, the content of this image will not be compatible with screen reader software, and a blind student will be unable to comply with these directions without the help of an Assistive Aid. In such cases, the instructor should carefully weigh the benefit of forcing sighted students to type this code, instead of copying and pasting, against the impossibility of a blind student being able to complete this assignment without help. Generally speaking, an accessible form of this content should be provided to students.
Here is a version of the above code that will be compatible with screen reader software:
<?php
$firstString = "The quick brown fox";
$secondString = " jumped over the lazy dog.";
?>
<?php
$thirdString = $firstString;
$thirdString .= $secondString;
echo $thirdString;
?>
<br />
Lowercase: <?php echo strtolower($thirdString); ?><br />
Uppercase: <?php echo strtoupper($thirdString); ?><br />
Uppercase first-letter: <?php echo ucfirst($thirdString); ?><br />
Uppercase words: <?php echo ucwords($thirdString); ?><br />
<br />
Length: <?php echo strlen($thirdString); ?><br />
Trim: <?php echo $fourthString = $firstString . trim($secondString); ?><br />
Find: <?php echo strstr($thirdString, "brown"); ?><br />
Replace by string: <?php echo str_replace("quick", "super-fast", $thirdString); ?><br />
At a minimum, it would be useful to create text versions of these images and to store them in the course shell under a "draft" accessibility module. Then, if students who need an accommodation register for the class, they can be provided with the accessible alternative to these images, while still providing the opportunity for "hands on" practice for your sighted students. Please also see the section on Sample Output for a closely related standard.