Accessibility is essential for creating an inclusive learning environment, but even well-meaning instructors can make mistakes that inadvertently create barriers for their students. Below are five common accessibility mistakes found in Canvas and actionable tips for fixing them.

1. Forgetting to Add Alternative Text for Images
Mistake: Uploading images without providing alt text, leaving visually impaired students without context.
Fix: Use the Rich Content Editor to add descriptive alternative text for every image. If an image is purely decorative, mark it as such to avoid unnecessary screen reader interruptions.
2. Using Poorly Structured Headings
Mistake: Formatting text to look like a heading (e.g., bold or enlarged text) but not using true heading tags to identify them. This disrupts screen reader navigation and makes content less accessible.
Fix: Use the built-in heading styles in Canvas’ Rich Content Editor to create properly structured, hierarchical headings (e.g., Heading 2, Heading 3). This ensures compatibility with assistive technologies.
3. Relying on Color Alone to Convey Information
Mistake: Designing course materials where key information is indicated only by color (e.g., “red text means late submission”). This can disadvantage students with color blindness.
Fix: Pair color with additional indicators like text labels or symbols. For example, instead of using color alone, say “Late Submission (in red).”
4. Uploading Unformatted PDFs or Documents
Mistake: Sharing scanned documents or untagged PDFs that are inaccessible to screen readers.
Fix: Before uploading, ensure your documents are formatted for accessibility by tagging headers, using readable fonts, and running an accessibility checker. Canvas and Yuja Panorama can help identify and fix issues in uploaded files.
5. Not Providing Captions or Transcripts for Multimedia
Mistake: Sharing videos without captions or transcripts, excluding students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Fix: Use tools like Kaltura or Yuja in Canvas to generate captions automatically, then review and edit them for accuracy. Provide transcripts for audio-only content whenever possible.
Additional Resources
Canvas provides several built-in accessibility tools, including the Accessibility Checker in the Rich Content Editor. Clemson Online’s team is here to help you make your course materials more inclusive. Don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized support or check out Clemson Online Accessibility Resources.
By addressing these common mistakes, you can ensure your Canvas course is welcoming and accessible to all students. Let’s start the semester strong by building a more inclusive learning environment together!

Upcoming Events
Developing Assessments and Course Policies with Generative AI
Wednesday, January 15, 1:30-2:30pm
Join us for our upcoming Workshop Wednesday session on how to develop assessments and course policies with generative AI. This workshop will cover designing policies and assignments that use generative AI in your course. Designing assessments and policies that utilize AI will assist you in deliberately educating your students about these tools and how they can be responsibly utilized in your field.
Facilitated by Dara Abimbade, PhD, Digital Learning Strategist.
Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions about this session or if you encounter accessibility issues with the registration form.
Clemson Online Spring 2025 Events Calendar

Review our Spring 2025 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!
We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!
All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.

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