Strategies and Tips 

Tip for previously created documents 

• Use the accessibility score inside of Canvas and its suggestions for improving the accessibility of documents 

Tips to know before creating a document or video 

• When your document is long, create a table of contents 
• Alternative text (Alt txt) should be added to all images, drawings, charts, or graphs in Word or Google documents 
• Captions should be added to videos – captions are provided inside of Panopto 
• Word has an accessibility checker  
• When creating tables in Word or Google do not merge cells and make sure to set a header row  
• In Word and Google documents create columns using the column feature and not the Tab key 

To make information perceptible, provide visual cues where possible.  

• Provide a picture of the textbook along with the name, edition, and other details.  
• Consider utilizing icons for recurrent themes/items such as Learning Outcomes, teamwork, or others.

Multiple means of engagement can be provided through a variety of ways.

• Students can make use of different formats such as ePub, HTML or audio to read the documents. These are available through the Learning Management System.
• Figures, images, and tables should be provided with descriptive Alt-Texts.
• Images that do not provide learners with any information should be marked as decorative.
• Tables should be provided with captions.
• Consider making a video that explains sections of the syllabus. Ensure that the video has closed captioning available.
• Consider providing infographics to replace or complement walls of textual information.

Keep it simple.

• Use student-friendly, jargon-free language.
  For example: 
  • Replace Traditional title: Course Learning Outcomes with:
    What will you learn at the end of the course?
    
    
  • Replace Traditional title: Course Policies with: 
    What will help you be successful in this course?
    
    
• Replace punitive language with more welcoming language.
  For example:
  • Replace Traditional: Late submissions will receive 5 – 10% deductions with:
    You will have the opportunity to submit Lab report – 1 up to 48 hr. beyond the due date/time. Late submissions are eligible for partial credit of 95% (24 hr. late) or 90% (48 hr. Late).