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Podcasts Take Two
A new Facebook feature helps people who are blind 'see' photos
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Apr 6, 2016
Listen • 3:33
A new Facebook feature helps people who are blind 'see' photos
The social media giant has added Automatic Alternative Text, a new function that describes images to blind Facebookers
Facebook is among the new sponsors of Cal Poly Pomona’s Western Regional Cyber Defense Competition.
Facebook is among the new sponsors of Cal Poly Pomona’s Western Regional Cyber Defense Competition.
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KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images
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The social media giant has added Automatic Alternative Text, a new function that describes images to blind Facebookers

Imagine a typical Californian's Facebook feed: a golden Joshua Tree sunset, the chubby cheeks of a newborn, a sizzling grill loaded with Korean barbecue.

Pretty typical stuff. But for Facebook users who are blind, this aspect of the online experience doesn't exist. Until now.

https://www.facebook.com/accessibility/videos/vb.443376095706121/1082033931840331/?type=2&theater

The social media giant has added Automatic Alternative Text, a new function for iOS that helps blind users "see" images through descriptions.

Andrea Peterson, who covers technology policy for the Washington Post, joined host A Martinez to explain how this new Facebook function works.