Tools

Learn About 

• Canvas tool accessibility cautions and best practices.
• Tips and resources for collaboration and use of Google Docs with a screen reader.

Most Canvas tools are accessible for students using assistive technology. However, some are more of a challenge to use than others.

Ensuring an accessible and pleasant experience to all users, regardless of disability, is a key focus of Canvas. The Canvas platform was built using the most modern HTML and CSS technologies, and is committed to W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative Links to an external site. and Section 508 Links to an external site. guidelines.

Visit Instructure’s Accessibility within Canvas Links to an external site. Community page for more information.

Calendar Links to an external site.

The calendar grid view is not screen reader accessible. Fortunately, The same information is available in the Agenda view and is accessible to screen reader users. Students can switch to the agenda view by clicking the Agenda button in the navigation bar.

Collaboration Links to an external site.

Google Docs is the default Canvas collaboration tool. Factors such as the document, browser, screen reader and their interaction can make access, navigation and editing of a Google Doc a frustrating experience for screen reader users. Access to the content may be simplified by exporting it as a Word, OpenOffice, RTF, PDF, or HTML file.

Exporting a Google Doc

1. Press SHIFT+ALT+F to access the Google Docs File menu.
2. Press the letter D to open the "Download As" submenu.
3. Select the desired file type and press ENTER.

Here are some Google Docs resources that you and your students may find helpful.

• Accessibility for Docs editors Links to an external site.
• Edit documents with a screen reader Links to an external site.
• Comment and collaborate with a screen reader Links to an external site.

Even with shortcut keys and other Google Docs accessibility features, real-time collaboration may still pose barriers for students with a variety of disabilities. Be flexible and avoid requiring the use of collaboration tools to complete assignments.

Grades Links to an external site.

Canvas DocViewer Links to an external site. is a tool that allows annotations on online assignment submissions in Canvas. However, those annotations are not screen reader accessible and the same information should be provided in the comments field of the sidebar.

The "What If Links to an external site." feature within the Grades tool allows students to explore how hypothetical scores on assignments and quizzes will affect their overall grade. Students who rely on keyboard-only navigation may be unable to take advantage of this feature. So, be prepared to discuss options and strategies for an optimal outcome with individual students.

Additional Canvas Tools

The following Canvas tools are accessible and support accessible content creation. See the Rich Content Editor section of this tutorial for information on creating accessible content.