Course Content Accessibility

Help Every Student Succeed in Your Classes

Great teaching reaches every student, regardless of how they learn best. Accessible course content doesn't just help students with disabilities - it makes learning clearer and more effective for everyone in your classroom.

Whether you're creating handouts, presentations, or online assignments, small changes can make a huge impact on student success.

Essential Course Content Areas

Handouts & Documents

Learn to create Word docs and PDFs that work with screen readers. Simple formatting changes make your materials accessible to all students in your classes.

Go To PDF Accessibility
Go To Word Accessibility
Presentations & Slides

Make PowerPoint slides that everyone can follow. Good design, clear fonts, and smart color choices help all students stay engaged during lectures.

Learn About PowerPoint Accessibility
Digital Assignments

Create online quizzes, discussions, and projects that work for different learning styles. Ensure your course management system settings support all students. Each Canvas LMS has a Rich Content Editor and Ally Accessibility tool integrated to support faculty as they make accessible content in their courses.

Course Content Best Practices

Keep sentences short and use common words when possible. Break up long paragraphs with headings or bullet points. Provide key terms and definitions at the beginning of readings. Consider offering materials in multiple formats when helpful.

All images, charts, and graphs need descriptions that explain what they show. Use high contrast colors and avoid relying on color alone to convey information. Make sure text is large enough to read easily on different devices.

Recorded lectures need captions and transcripts. When showing videos in class, use captioned versions when available. Provide lecture notes or slides before class so students can follow along more easily.

Give clear instructions and deadlines for all assignments. Provide rubrics that explain exactly what you're looking for. For online tests, make sure they work with screen readers and allow extra time when needed.

Organize your course site with clear navigation and consistent layout. Use descriptive names for files and folders. Check that all links work and point to accessible content. Post materials in advance when possible.

Content Creation Tips

Use clear headings, add alt text to images, and choose readable fonts. These small steps make your course materials work better for students who use assistive technology.

Common Challenges

Many faculty worry that accessible design limits creativity or takes too much time. Accessible materials are often cleaner, clearer, and more professional looking than traditional formats. Students appreciate when professors consider different learning needs. Accessible course design shows that you care about reaching every student in your classroom.