Quick Wins: 5 Things to Check Now
- Run the Accessibility Checker— Click the "Accessibility" button in the HTML editor
- Add alt text to images— Every image needs a description
- Use heading styles— Structure content with H2, H3, H4 (not just bold text)
- Check uploaded documents— PDFs and Word docs must be accessible
- Add captions to videos— Panopto and YouTube videos need captions
Course Home Setup
Course Image
- Add alt text describing the course image
- Avoid text in images (it can't be read by screen readers)
Course Navigation
- Use clear, descriptive names for navigation links
- Keep navigation consistent throughout the course
- Limit top-level items to 7-9 for easier navigation
Announcements
- Use descriptive subject lines
- Structure with headings if longer than a paragraph
- Provide text alternatives for any images
Content Modules
Module Organization
- Use descriptive module titles (not "Week 1" alone—add the topic)
- Maintain consistent structure across modules
- Start each module with learning objectives
HTML Content Pages
When creating content in the Brightspace HTML editor:
- Use the Format dropdownto apply heading styles (Heading 2, Heading 3, etc.)
- Never use Heading 1— Brightspace adds the page title as H1
- Add alt text to images— Click the image Properties Alternative Text
- Create real lists— Use the numbered/bulleted list buttons
- Make links descriptive— "Read the syllabus" not "Click here"
Using the Accessibility Checker
In the HTML editor toolbar, click theAccessibilitybutton (checkmark icon). It will flag issues like missing alt text and empty headings.
Uploaded Files
- Word documents: RunReview Check Accessibilitybefore uploading
- PDFs: Ensure they're tagged and have alt text (seePDF Remediation Guide)
- PowerPoints: Use slide layouts and add alt text to images
- Provide HTML/text alternatives when possible
Multimedia Content
Videos (Panopto, YouTube, Kaltura)
- Captions are requiredfor all videos (WCAG 1.2.2)
- Auto-captions are a starting point but must be edited for accuracy
- Aim for 99% caption accuracy
- Include speaker identification in captions
See Panopto Accessibility Guide
Audio Content
- Provide a text transcript for all audio files
- Transcripts should include speaker names and relevant sounds
Embedded Content
- Check that embedded tools (H5P, third-party) are keyboard accessible
- Provide alternatives if embedded content isn't accessible
Quizzes & Assessments
Quiz Settings
- Extended time:Use "Special Access" to grant extra time to students with accommodations
- Multiple attempts:Consider allowing retakes to reduce anxiety
- Clear instructions:Explain format, time limits, and allowed resources at the start
Question Accessibility
- Avoid images of text in questions
- Add alt text to any images used in questions
- Ensure math equations use MathML or LaTeX (not images)
- Make sure answer choices are clearly distinguishable
Accommodations Workflow
- Student registers with Disability Resource Center (DRC)
- DRC sends accommodation letter to instructor
- In Brightspace: Quizzes [Quiz Name] Restrictions Special Access
- Add the student and set extended time multiplier (e.g., 1.5x, 2x)
Discussions
- Use descriptive topic titles
- Set clear formatting expectations in instructions
- Model accessible posting (headings, lists, alt text)
- Allow multiple response formats (text, audio, video with captions)
Assignments
- Provide clear, structured instructions
- Accept multiple file formats when possible
- If using rubrics, ensure criteria are clearly written
- Consider accessibility when requiring specific tools