What is digital accessibility?

Accessibility is about people. Digital accessibility is about meeting the needs of people with disabilities in web content and digital tools. It is an essential aspect of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Accessibility for all is a critical element in the design of Canvas (see more What are the Canvas accessibility standards?). The teacher's work on the course website can affect student access. Therefore, it is important to adopt methods that support accessibility.

Problems in Digital accessibility

Accessibility issues are any barriers that make it difficult or impossible for a user to access a course website or individual content, browse, or participate in the website's topics. Disabled users use different ways to access websites. Those who cannot use a mouse rely on the keyboard to navigate the web. Others use speech synthesizers to read out the content of a website or special devices intended for people with disabilities. Because of all this, setting up your course website appropriately is important. Incorrect or inappropriate methods can lead to accessibility problems.

Some examples that can cause accessibility problems on a course website:

The website structure lacks consistency or needs to be better organized.
The syllabus is not in its correct place.
Submission dates are not shown in the course calendar.

A course website without accessibility issues is more user-friendly and convenient for all users, not just those with disabilities. A course web without barriers is a matter of equality.

Learn more about making your course accessible in the Course Readiness Checklist.

Accessibility in the broader context

Accessibility in a broader context refers, among other things, to inclusiveness, diversity of course material, teaching methods and assessment, flexibility in course design, and equal participation of all students.

Relationships with teachers and fellow students are important and related to academic success. A lack of social connections can hinder learning, act as an exclusion, and significantly impact students from marginalized groups. Purposefully fostering a class community and helping students connect makes it possible to help students feel visible and valued, positively affecting learning. Students can be empowered, e.g., by allowing them to be exposed to as many perspectives on a discipline as possible, accommodating their different strengths, and empowering students to have influence and greater control over their learning.

See further: Equality in teaching checklist.