Creating Accessible Canvas Pages

Heading Styles and Content Formatting

• Use proper heading levels (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to organize content hierarchically. Beginner's Accessibility with the Rich Content Editor
  • Use the Headings in order - In Canvas, the list starts with Heading 2, because Title and Heading 1 are already used in the standard Canvas layout. For example, sample Headings could include: Overview, Introduction, Instructions, Examples, Grading. 
• Use built-in styles for bold, italics, and underline instead of relying on color alone. For example: Instead of using red text to highlight important information, use bold formatting.

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Lists

• Use numbered lists for sequences and bulleted lists for items without a specific order. For example: Use a numbered list for step-by-step instructions and a bulleted list for a list of resources. 
  • Making Lists Accessible in Canvas

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Links

• Use descriptive link text that indicates the link's destination. For example: "Read the full article on accessibility" instead of "Click here".
  • How do I create hyperlinks to external URLs in the Rich Content Editor as an instructor?
  • How do I create hyperlinks to course or group content in the Rich Content Editor as an instructor?
• Ensure link text is descriptive and contextual. For example: "Download the syllabus" rather than "Click here".

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Tables

• Use tables for data, not for layout. For example: A table showing class schedules with columns for date, time, and topic. 
  • Table Accessibility in Canvas

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Images and Multimedia

• Add alt text to all images that convey meaningful information. The alt text should be descriptive and convey the image’s purpose. For example: Alt text for a chart: "Bar chart showing enrollment numbers from 2019 to 2023".
  • How do I manage alt text and display options for images embedded in the Rich Content Editor as an instructor?
  • Ensure that each image has descriptive alt text.
  • Alt text should convey the essential information or function of the image.
  • Keep alt text concise but informative (typically under 125 characters).
    Avoid phrases like "image of" or "picture of" as screen readers automatically announce it as an image.
• Mark images as decorative that are purely decorative and do not convey any meaningful information.
• Provide captions for all videos and include transcripts for audio content. For example: A video lecture should have captions and a text transcript available.

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Specific Tools and Features

• Use the built-in accessibility checker before publishing content. For example: Run the accessibility checker after creating a content page to ensure compliance.
  • How do I use the Accessibility Checker in the Rich Content Editor as an instructor?
• Use high-contrast color schemes. For example: Black text on a white background.
  • WebAIM: Contrast Checker
• Ensure all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard. For example: Test navigation through a content page using only the keyboard.
  • WebAIM: Keyboard Accessibility
• Specify the primary language of the content page. For example: Indicate that a Spanish-language page is in Spanish.
• Use screen readers to test content. For example: Ensure all content is readable and navigable with a screen reader.

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Resources

• Canvas Course Accessibility Checklist
• What are the Canvas accessibility standards?