Canvas Content

The Rich Content Editor (RCE) in Canvas allows for the organization of content through headings. The title of the page will automatically be formatted while the writing in the text box will have to be formatted manually. Relying on bold, italics, color, and increased font size alone is not sufficient for users that depend on screen readers or are visually impaired. Sighted users will be able to skim through content with pseudo-headings for comprehension, but screen reader users will not have the same benefit. To avoid this inequity, it is best practice to apply synchronous headings provided in the RCE.

To apply headings, access them in the "Paragraph" drop-down circled in the image below.

“Header 1” is being utilized for the title of the page and will not be available as an option in the drop-down. Begin with “Header 2” and continue to use that heading for all same level subjects.

If you need a subheading, utilize “Header 3.” “Header 2” can be used again as needed.

Headings must be in order for screen readers to properly use them. Do not skip a heading level. Below is an example of how to use headings in the RCE:

The default settings in the Rich Content Editor (RCE) are already accessible. It is always recommended to use black text on a white background as it has the highest contrast. If differing from the norm, select a text font, size, and color that is legible to ensure readability. Font size should be at least 12 point or above to maximize use.

CUsing hue, shade, tint or tone as the only means of conveying information, otherwise known as color reliance, should be avoided. Screen readers do not announce the color of text or if it is highlighted. For comprehension purposes, separate the content, provide text labels, or use icons. To verify that the selected font size and color are accessible and meet WCAG 2.1 A and AA compliance, use WebAIM’s Color Contrast Checker.

Canvas has formatted “Bold” as <strong> and “Italic” as <emphasis>. These tags will be read to a screen reader user. Underlined text should be reserved strictly for hyperlinks.

Pseudo-lists, created using dashes or spacing instead of styled bullet points or numbers, can present barriers. Use each style appropriately to increase comprehension for all users.

Images are inaccessible for individuals with visual impairments. When inserting an image into the Rich Content Editor (RCE) be sure to include sufficient alternative text to improve accessibility. This is what will be presented by the screen reader. Alt text should be less than 120 characters, around two sentences, and convey the significance of the media. It is unnecessary to include “Image of” or “Graphic of” in the description field as the screen reader will present the picture appropriately.

To embed an image, use the icon indicated in the picture below in the RCE.

This will open the dropdown menu that gives 3 options: upload image, course images, and user images.

When uploading images, there is an option to drag and drop or click to browse your computer.

When the image is inserted into the RCE, click to get image options.

The options pop out window will allow instructors to include alt text for the image or mark the image as decorative.

By default, Canvas includes the image name as the alt text, which should be changed to something more descriptive when embedding images. 

If the image is just for decorative purposes, like colored boxes or filigree, check the box next to “Decorative Image.” The screen reader will still note that a graphic is there, but will not read a description.

If the image is complex and alt text will not be sufficient for comprehension, include a caption to ensure equality. More information: How do I embed images from the web in the RCE as an instructor? 

Tables that are not formatted correctly pose accessibility issues. If a table is used to organize content instead of present data, it can be extremely confusing for a student using a screen reader to navigate. Tables used to introduce data should have at least one header, include specifications, and have appropriate captions if applicable. Adding scope will allow the table to provide context to screen readers. To accomplish this use the table tool indicated in the picture below in the Rich Content Editor (RCE). 

 

Once the table has been created, place the cursor in the cell, click on the table tool, go to “Cell” and then select “Cell properties.” 

 

The “Cell Properties” window will open. Set the Cell type to “Header cell” and the Scope to either “Column” or “Row” depending on displayed content. 

 

Provide additional context by selecting the “Caption” box in the Table properties section. 

 

More information: Canvas: Creating accessible tables in the Rich Content Editor 

Reserve underlined text for hyperlinks. Utilize the hyperlink tool in the Rich Content Editor (RCE) and avoid directly inserting the URL. Copy and pasting the URL into content is extremely difficult for screen reader users to understand. By incorporating hyperlinks instead, the content becomes user-friendly and interactive. 

To create a hyperlink, highlight the text, click the “Link to URL” button shown below, and insert the link.

 

There are two options in the dropdown menu. Choose to link to either external links or to course links.

 

Make sure the text that is hyperlinked is specific and descriptive in nature. Avoid writing “click here” or “see this video” as it does not adequately convey the function of the link. 

More information: How do I create hyperlinks to external URLs in the New Rich Content Editor as an instructor?

How do I create hyperlinks to course content in the New Rich Content Editor as an instructor?

Transcripts and captioning makes videos accessible for individuals with hearing impairments, but will also allow all students to have access to materials in their preferred formats, which is ideal for all learners.

It is ideal to increase the longevity of a video by not being overly specific. To ensure recorded content can be used over multiple terms, avoid mentioning semesters, years or section names.

CIRT uses a third-party service to provide captions and transcripts for audio-visual instructional materials. This ensures the most accurate and reliable closed captions for videos, time-synchronized transcriptions, audio description, and multilingual subtitles. Instructors that have already recorded videos that need to be made more accessible can complete the Transcript Request Intake Form.

Canvas Studio (formerly Arc) in Canvas can be used to make video content accessible. To automatically generate captions for media, choose the spoken language and click the request button. Canvas will send an email when the captions are ready to review.

Review captions for errors and click “Publish.” Students viewing the video will have the ability to turn on captions for increased comprehension.

The video can also be embedded into Canvas content through the Rich Content Editor (RCE). Use the drop-down shown below, select “Course Media” or “User Media” and insert the desired content.

The RCE also has another icon that will allow you to insert items from various sources such as: Canvas Studio, Commons Favorites, Films On Demand, GitHub, Khan Academy, Macmillan Higher Education Editor Button, Office 365, Upload/Embed Images, and YouTube.

More information: How do I add captions to Canvas Studio media in Canvas? 

YouTube can automatically generate captions, but they are not always accurate. To learn more about making YouTube videos accessible view the “Add your own subtitles & closed captions” article.