What is Digital Accessibility in Courses?

Accessibility means ensuring digital content (Canvas pages, files, media, etc.) can be used by students who have a disability. Students may use an assistive technology, such as a screen reader, or rely on other accessibility features, such as a closed captioned video, in order to engage with online learning materials. Digital accessibility ensures that we meet our educational mission and values by providing materials that work for all from the start.

For more on Digital Accessibility at the University of Minnesota, visit the Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA) website.

Best Practices

• Take time to learn more about digital accessibility. The Faculty Quick Guide to Digital Accessibility is a good place to start. Consider accessibility guidelines as you generate new materials.
• Regularly “tidy up” your Canvas course sites. Delete unused files, and use your Google Drive to save files that you may want to refer back to but are no longer in use in your course site(s). Delete unused Canvas pages and assignments, too.
• Plan for accessible readings. Use the Library Course Materials service (along with the Bookstores) to provide readings to students instead of directly uploading files to your Canvas course site.
• Use accessible document and slide templates when creating new materials to get files “right first.”
• Make sure your syllabus is digitally-accessible by using the updated SPH accessible syllabus template.
• Check your UDOIT accessibility score before publishing your Canvas course (regardless of modality). Check out this great UDOIT guide from our colleagues in CCAPS.
• Consider using SpeedFIXIT to help you quickly address common accessibility hurdles—such as missing image descriptions and color contrast issues—using auto-generated suggestions, some of which are powered by AI. SpeedFIXIT is available within your Canvas site. See this SpeedFIXIT demo for more info on this tool.

Support for SPH Faculty and Instructors

In-Person and Hybrid Courses:

The Office of E-Learning Services (ELS) provides consultations on the design, build, and update of Canvas course sites for in-person and hybrid courses. In a consultation, we can:

• review your site;
• review the UDOIT accessibility report and recommendations;
• discuss digital accessibility best practices and resources; and
• answer your questions (or point you to an answer!) about online learning and academic technology.

Consultations can focus on courses for current or future courses, and it is never too early to get started. To schedule, email sphels@umn.edu.

Fully Online Courses:

For fully online courses, instructors work with a dedicated member of the ELS instructional design and course development team to identify and implement accessibility best practices as part of the design, revision, and course-building process. If you have questions about accessibility and are working with ELS on an online course, contact your instructional designer.

Questions about digital accessibility in courses?

Reach out to ELS at sphels@umn.edu with your questions. We are happy to help.