Create Structure Using Built-In Tools
Properly identified headings and formatted lists help keep Canvas pages looking consistent while providing important navigation functionality for screen reader users.
Have Questions? We have answers.
Contact UsWhy Make Canvas and Websites Accessible?
We rely on websites to check the news and weather forecast, find events to attend, and as a way to connect with family and friends. MSU Denver is committed to providing equitable access to our digital (and physical) services. Specifically, all MSU Denver students need to be able to access course material on Canvas, regardless of ability. This means that faculty must ensure their Canvas courses are structured and accessible and that all files uploaded to Canvas are accessible.
Luckily, the web also provides tools to help us make Canvas pages and websites accessible to a wider audience. Explore these resources under How-To Guides.
Did you know? As of March 2022, Auraria Library has 10,906 printed resources and 121,403,106 online.
Accessible Canvas and Websites: What Doesn't Work
Instead: Provide text descriptions, captions, transcripts, or other text alongside the non-text material.
Instead: In addition, use the specific name of an element and its location in comparison to other elements.
Instead: Replace the image with text. Generative AI such as Microsoft Copilot can be useful for extracting text from an image, but always read its transcription for 100% accuracy.
Instead: Use programmatically determinable styles and labels to support visual indicators. For example, in Microsoft Word, use the Emphasis style instead of applying Italic.
- Instead: use clear and precise language appropriate for the anticipated knowledge level of the reader.
- Idioms and colloquialisms for stylistic purposes should be defined for clarity.
- Instead: use short phrases that indicate the purpose or destination of the link. For example, providing a link as MSU Denver Financial Aid instead of the entire URL, which is “https://www.msudenver.edu/financial-aid/”.
- Exception: Physical documents need full URLs; the purpose of the URL should be indicated within the context. Consider shortening the URL using a service such as bit.ly or tiny.url.
Guides for Creating Accessible Canvas and Webpages
Alt Text in Canvas
Alternative text for images allows screen reader users to consume images.
Canvas Equation Editor
Create accessible equations within Canvas pages using the built-in equation editor.
Canvas Tables
Use the tools within Canvas to create accessible tables for data presentation.
Color Contrast Guidelines
Color blindness also referred to as color vision deficiency (CVD), causes people to see specific ranges or pallets or colors. Learn how to use Colour Contrast Checkers.
Evaluate Web Accessibility with WAVE Tool
WAVE is a web accessibility evaluation Chrome extension developed by WebAIM.org (Web Accessibility In Mind). WAVE provides visual feedback about the accessibility of your web content by injecting icons and indicators into your page.
HTML Tables
Properly coded HTML tables can be very navigable for screen readers. Using the correct syntax will create tables that work great visually and with screen readers,
Evaluate Web Accessibility Using Browser Inspect Window
Using the browser inspect tool is a great option if you have some basic understanding of web design or HTML.
Resources on Hypothes.is
Use Hypothes.is to collaboratively mark up digital text.
Dig Deeper with these Additional Resources
MSU Denver Resources
- Use the Canvas Accessibility Checker – CTLD Ready (msudenver.edu)
- Add Additional Time or Attempts for a Student in New Quizzes – CTLD Ready (msudenver.edu)
- Use MathJax and LaTeX to Display Equations in Canvas – CTLD Ready (msudenver.edu)
External Resources
- WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind) has been providing web accessibility tools since 1999. They are one of the leading providers of web accessibility expertise internationally.
- WCAG 2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) have been developed in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world, with the goal of providing a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally.