Andy_Langton - 11:43 pm on Apr 18, 2012 (gmt 0)

Can you pass the accessibility test if the ALT text does not show when you hover over an image despite it being in the code itself?

Absolutely - the "popup" text is a failed implementation of an accessibility feature by internet explorer only. IMO, it has contributed to confusion about the meaning of alt attributes. Whether text appears on hover for users with a mouse is irrelevant :)

When the image is text, like a decorative header, it's appropriate to have the alt and title show the same thing.

How so? If there is text in the image it is readable to the sighted, and the alt attribute is audible to those that can't see it. Why repeat it for potentially both of those groups?