As you create and update your ELMS-Canvas course, there are several accessibility checker tools available to alert you to potential issues and guide you through the steps to fix them. We recommend using multiple accessibility checkers to ensure that all digital content is reviewed before publishing your course content. The following accessibility checkers are available in every ELMS-Canvas course.
Any time you are using the rich content editor in ELMS-Canvas, you will notice the accessibility icon just below the editing window. If there is a number next to the icon, that means the built-in Canvas accessibility checker has identified potential accessibility issues. Clicking on the number will take you to the Canvas Accessibility Checker panel.
The panel displays issues one by one, with steps to fix issues such as color contrast, heading levels that are out of order, missing alternative text, and more. When you have fixed the issue, the Apply button becomes active, and you are taken to the next issue. For more information, see How Do I Use the Accessibility Checker in the Rich Content Editor.
DesignPLUS is an advanced content editor for ELMS-Canvas that lets instructors use design and formatting features without having to know about HTML. You don't need to use DesignPLUS to format your ELMS-Canvas course in order to use the included accessibility checker tool, which is a powerful and easy-to-use option for ensuring the accessibility of your course content. One unique feature of the DesignPLUS accessibility checker is that it also checks math elements on a page to make sure they are accessible to all students.
DesignPLUS is launched by going into Edit mode and then selecting the red rocket icon in the upper right corner of your screen. For more information about using the DesignPLUS accessibility checker, see DesignPLUS User Guide: Accessibility and Usability Tools.
Ally integrates with all of your ELMS-Canvas courses and automatically checks your course content and uploaded files for any potential accessibility issues. Learn more at Ally: An ELMS-Canvas Accessibility Tool.
Ally has the following features:
Ally scans your course materials, detecting digital content that is not readable or usable by a student with a disability. Ally then provides feedback and instructions for fixing issues that it has identified. Ally measures the accessibility of each file attached to a course and shows you at-a-glance how it scores. Scores range from Low to Perfect. The higher the score, the fewer the issues.
Ally also provides students with accessible alternative formats for documents in your course. Alternative formats increase accessibility for those with disabilities, support diverse learning styles, enhance engagement through interactive materials, and provide flexibility in accessing learning resources and personalized learning experiences.
The Ally Alternative Format icon is visible to instructors and students. Students can download Alternative formats wherever they find the Download Alternative Formats icon.
We suggest using the following language in your course syllabus:
The Ally accessibility tool is available in this course. It allows you to download content in alternative formats that best fit your learning preference. Examples of alternative formats include MP3 (audio file), HTML, ePub, electronic braille, and BeeLine reader. Select the Download Alternative Formats icon to download content in a different format. The alternative format file will be downloaded to your device, and you will be able to access it at any time. Watch the Ally alternative formats video or read the article on Ally Quick Start for students.