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Table of Contents
Description
Canvas includes built‑in tools that help instructors create course content that is easier for all students to use, including students who rely on screen readers, captions, keyboard navigation, or alternative formats.
Using these tools:
- Improves the learning experience for students
- Reduces the need for last-minute accommodations
- Helps instructors meet accessibility expectations using features already available in Canvas
Environment
Canvas in your web browser
Solutions
Canvas Course Accessibility Checker
The Canvas Course Accessibility Checker helps identify common issues that can prevent students from accessing content effectively. The checker reviews content created in the Rich Content Editor (RCE), including Pages, Assignments, Discussions, and Quiz instructions. The Course Accessibility Checker does not review and remediate documents created outside of Canvas.
Why is this tool helpful:
- Catches common problems instructors may not notice
- Explains why something is an issue
- Suggests remediation
- Allows many fixes to be made directly within the Accessibility Checker
How to use the Accessibility Checker:
- Select the Accessibility link in the Course Navigation panel
- Select Scan Course
- Review flagged issues by selecting the Fix button next to the issue you would like to fix
- In the tray, review the issue description and the remediation options
- Select the appropriate remediation option and select the Save & Next button
What the checker looks for:
- Missing or incorrect headings (important for navigation)
- Missing alternative text for images
- Table header and structure issues
- Improper list formatting
Consideration:
The Accessibility Checker does not evaluate everything but is an easy starting point to fix simple issues that can help improve content presentation for all students. The checker cannot detect whether math content is accessible if equations are uploaded as images.
Instructors should still review content for clarity, caption accuracy, and meaningful alternative text.
To learn more about the Course Accessibility Checker in Canvas, please see this Canvas help article: How do I use the Accessibility Checker in Canvas?
Create Accessible Content Using Canvas Pages and the RCE Accessibility Checker
Creating content directly in Canvas generally leads to fewer accessibility issues than uploading external documents. Canvas Pages are more easily navigated by screen readers and adapt more effectively across different devices. While building a page, instructors can use the Accessibility Checker in the RCE to scan content as they work and address any issues in real time.
Why this matters:
- Students can resize text and use reading tools more easily
- Content works better on mobile devices
- Updates can be made quickly without re-uploading files
How to use the RCE Accessibility Checker:
- Select Pages from the Course navigation
- Select the View All Pages button
- Select the +Pages button to create a new page
- Begin creating content in the RCE
- If Accessibility issues are detected, the Accessibility Checker Icon will display an indicator
- Select the Accessibility Checker icon to view the issues
What the checker looks for:
- Heading issues
- Missing alternative text for images
- Text sizing and contrast issues
- Improper list and table formatting
Consideration:
Canvas Pages are easier to make more accessible than uploaded documents (for example, inaccessible PDFs or screenshots of math equations). Additionally, if the information you share will change over time, Canvas Pages supports easy updating to keep your content up-to-date while maintaining built-in accessibility features.
For more information on using the Rich Content Editor Accessibility Checker, see this Canvas help article: How do I use the Accessibility Checker in the Rich Content Editor?
Math Equations and Symbols
When including mathematical expressions, equations, or formulas, use Canvas’s built‑in equation editor in the RCE. Images of equations are not recommended because they are not accessible to all students.
Why this matters:
- Screen readers cannot interpret images of equations
- Canvas equations are created in a format that assistive technology can read
- Students can navigate, copy, and resize equations without losing clarity
How to use the Equation Editor in the RCE:
- Open the RCE in your assignment (the Equation editor is also available within announcements, discussions, pages, and quizzes)
- Select Insert
- Select Equation from the drop-down list
- In the Equation Editor popup window, build the required equation either using the provided options or enter the LaTeX code
- Select Done
- Content can be built around the equations entered
Best practices when using the Equation Editor in Canvas:
- Use the Equation Editor in the RCE for equations and symbols
- Use LaTeX input within the editor when appropriate
- Include explanatory text describing what the equation represents when needed
Avoid:
- Uploading images or screenshots of equations
- Scanned handwritten math
- Equations embedded only in PDFs or slides when a Canvas page would work
Consideration:
If math content must be shared in a document or PDF, it must be created accessibly in the source file. Images of equations will require alternative formats or accommodations.
For more information on using the Equation Editor in the RCE see this Canvas help article: How do I use the math Equation Editor in the Rich Content Editor?
Videos and Automated Captioning
Captions support students who are deaf or hard of hearing and benefit students who are learning in noisy environments, studying in a new language, or reviewing material.
Recommended tools with Captioning Support:
- Panopto - Auto-captions should be edited in the Panopto editor (This is the recommended method as Panopto is supported by OHIO and integrated directly with Canvas)
- Microsoft OneDrive - Auto-captions should be edited within Microsoft Stream (An alternative method as Microsoft id supported by OHIO and integrated directly with Canvas)
- YouTube - Auto-captions should be edited in YouTube Studio to make sure they are accurate (Shared here because of wide use of YouTube, though it is not supported by OHIO)
Consideration:
Instructors are responsible for reviewing and correcting captions. External videos should be checked for caption availability before assigning. Transcripts should be provided when captions are not available.
For more information and resources on captioning videos, please see this OHIO Digital Accessibility help article: Accessible Video
Reading Materials: Use Library Permalinks
When assigning readings, linking to materials through University Libraries is preferred over uploading PDFs.
Why this is recommended:
- Library materials are often already accessible
- Students may be able to access alternative formats
- Reduces copyright and accessibility risks
- Helps the Library accurately track usages of content
Learn more: How to link library resources in Canvas
Consideration:
Scanned or photocopied PDFs are difficult to make accessible and should only be used when no alternative exists.
Uploading Documents (PDFs, Slides, Images)
Some course materials must be shared as documents. When uploading files, accessibility should be addressed before students access them.
Why preparation matters:
- Students using screen readers rely on proper structure
- Fixing issues later can be time‑consuming and/or expensive if using an outside solution
- Source documents are easier to fix than PDFs
Best Practices:
- Create documents using accessible source files. We highly recommend Microsoft 365 for access with your OHIO account to Word, PowerPoint, and more. If you are using non-supported technologies, for example Google Docs, follow best practices for accessibility with that platform
- Run built‑in accessibility checkers before exporting
- Ensure PDFs are searchable, tagged, and have correct reading order
- Provide alternative text for images
Consideration:
If a document cannot be made accessible immediately, an alternative format or accommodation may be required. Documents containing mathematics equations should use real text or MathML, and not images of equations.
For more information on creating accessible documents, please see this OHIO Digital Accessibility help article: Accessible Documents
Get Help from Canvas
- Live chat with Canvas support (Faculty)
- Get 24-hours/7-days a week Canvas support
- Dial the Canvas Support Hotline number located under "Get Help" in the Canvas Global Navigation Menu
- Contact OIT at 740-593-1222 for questions related to logging in, test courses/manually created courses, or third-party tools (Panopto, VoiceThread, Inclusive Access, etc.)
Get Help from OIT
Additional Resources
The following resources provide step‑by‑step guidance and additional best practices for creating accessible content in Canvas.