How-Tos and Demos
Accessible Graphics
Example: A Graph with a Description in a Separate, Linked File
Description
of "African Great Apes" chart 
How to do it
Code
example for a graph with a linked text description
Rationale
There are several ways to provide alternative descriptions for graphics that are too complex for the alt attribute alone. In this example, a link to a text description of the Great Apes population chart appears next to the lower right corner of the chart. Following the link opens the description in a new window.
Note that in this example the text description of the Great Ape population graph includes a data table with the necessary accessibility features. Since many users are confused when new browser windows open unexpectedly, the link-text informs users that the description will open in a new window.
How it sounds with the JAWS screen reader
Listen to how JAWS reads this graphic in a new window
JAWS transcript
[Graphic. African great ape populations.
Blank. (blank line) (note: paren is short for parenthesis)
Link. Description of "African Great Apes" chart left paren Opens in a new window right paren]