Information Technology Services
Accessibility
Use descriptive link text
Descriptive links help students understand where a link leads before selecting it. They are especially helpful for students using screen readers, as vague text such as “click here” or “read more” provides little context.
Getting started:
- Find a Canvas page that contains one or more links.
- Select the existing link text and edit it.
- Replace vague wording with meaningful text that describes the destination, such as “Rutgers Library Reading Lists Guide.”
- Verify that the link directs users to the intended resource.
A good place to start: Review one Canvas page this week and update three links with more descriptive text.
For more detailed information about creating accessible links and other accessibility best practices, visit the Accessibility at Bloustein Canvas resource site. You can self-enroll by using the Accessibility at Bloustein Canvas Self Enroll Link.
Run the Accessibility Checker on one Canvas page
The Canvas Accessibility Checker can quickly identify common issues such as missing image descriptions, heading structure problems, color contrast issues, and inaccessible tables. Because it is built directly into Canvas, it is an easy way to improve accessibility while updating course content.
Getting started:
- Open a Canvas page and select Edit.
- Select the Accessibility Checker icon in the Rich Content Editor.
- Review any issues that are identified and apply the suggested fixes when appropriate.
- Save the page and run the checker again to confirm the issues have been addressed.
A good place to start: Choose the Canvas page your students visit most frequently and run the Accessibility Checker on that page this week.
For more detailed information about using the Canvas Accessibility Checker and other accessibility “best practices”, visit the Accessibility at Bloustein Canvas resource site. You can self-enroll here:
Add meaningful alternative text to instructional images
Alternative text helps students understand the purpose of an image when they cannot see it. For decorative images that do not convey instructional information, Canvas provides an option to mark them as decorative.
Getting started:
- Open the Canvas page, assignment, announcement, or other item containing the image.
- Select the image and open its image settings.
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Add a brief description that explains the image’s instructional purpose, not every visual detail.
- If the image is purely decorative, mark it as decorative when that option is available.
- Save your changes and review the content from the student’s perspective.
A good place to start: Choose one image students will use this week and review or update its alternative text.
For more detailed information about alt text and other accessibility best practices, visit the Accessibility at Bloustein Canvas resource site. You can self-enroll here:
Remember, accessibility improvements do not need to happen all at once. Small, manageable steps taken throughout the semester can make a meaningful difference for students.
Rutgers offers extensive accessibility resources, guidance, and support, so you do not have to tackle accessibility on your own.