Creating Accessible Content in Canvas

Introduction

In today's diverse learning environment, accessibility is essential for ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, can engage with course materials effectively.

This guide will help you create accessible content within Canvas. We'll explore best practices for designing content that is accessible to all learners. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance the learning experience for everyone, fostering an inclusive classroom where every student can thrive.

Text Accessibility

• Use of color should be limited, and color combinations should provide sufficient contrast. Use a color contrast checker to check contrast between text color and background.
• Abbreviations and acronyms should be spelled out.
• Use bold or italic text to convey emphasis instead of using underlines, colors, or writing whole sentences in all caps.

Hyperlinks

• Insert active hyperlinks for all URLs in your document. Instead of using “Click here,” the anchor text should be descriptive of where the link will take the user.
• Hypertext links provide a clear description of the destination.

Images

• Alternative text (Alt Text) is text that you can add to describe images to be read by a screen reader.
• You should add Alt Text to charts, pictures, shapes, and tables.
• “Alt text” or long descriptions are provided for all images.
• For alternative text, describe the image and, if necessary, include an explanation about what is important about the image in terms of the context of learning.
• For more complex images, longer descriptions can be included in the surrounding text on the page.
• If the equivalent cannot be presented succinctly, provide a link to a separate page with a longer description of the image content.

Video and Audio

• Ensure accurate captions or transcripts with proper punctuation are provided for every video.
• Transcripts are provided for podcasts and audio clips.
• In some cases, the video or audio may need to be interpreted in ASL for the student.
  • Interpreter/Captionist request form for students
  • Interpreter/Captionist request form for staff.

Color Usage

• Ensure there is adequate contrast between text and background.
• Use a color contrast checker to check contrast between text color and background.
• Color should not be used as the sole means of conveying information.

Tables

• The row and column scope attributes in a table help provide context to screen readers. Row and column headers should be identified in any table structure used.

Documents (Word/Google Docs)

• Documents should be created using Microsoft Word preset styles.
• Use a text font that is easy to read, using at least 10px sans serif fonts (Arial, Helvetica, or Verdana). These fonts magnify well for low vision users.
• Use properly formatted heading structures for the page.
• Run the built-in accessibility checker in Word.

PowerPoint Slides

• Use simple slide templates and layouts built into PowerPoint.
• Slides should have unique titles for each slide (check by using outline view).
• Slides should not have transitions or timed functions activated.
• Avoid low contrast between slide text and background.
• Avoid busy backgrounds that make text difficult to read.
• Check the reading order for a logical presentation of content.
• Add alt text for images.
• Check accessibility using the built-in accessibility checker in PowerPoint.
  
  

Use the Accessibility Checker

1. Click on File.
2. Select Info.
3. Select Check for Issues on the right.
4. Select Check Accessibility in the drop-down menu.
5. An Accessibility Checker pane will appear, showing parts of your document that may not be accessible. If the document is accessible, no issues will be found.
   
   

Creating your own PDFs

Many times you may be converting your own content from an accessible PowerPoint/Word document into a PDF version. It’s important to make the original source file accessible from the start.

Keep in mind that when saving to a PDF, not all accessible features you've built in (e.g., headers, alt text) may convert over. If you're converting for security reasons (i.e., to prevent students from copying and pasting), consider making your file read-only instead.

Using 3rd Party Services for Scanning

If you’re creating PDFs from printed documents, consider using a third-party service that uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to create accessible PDFs.

Check with your institution’s resources or librarians for guidance on effective services for your needs.

Have Questions? Contact the Academic Technology Support Team

ATST@spcollege.edu 

 Phone at 727-341-3500 

(Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST).

After-hours or weekend assistance? Contact the Technical Support Center at 727-791-2795 or onlinehelp@spcollege.edu

Want to Schedule a One-on-One or Group Session on Canvas or other instructional technology issues or opportunities? 

Schedule 1:1 Support Help with a Member of the MyCourses4Faculty Team