How to Check File Accessibility

Accessibility Indicators embedded in Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Ally and the Rich Text Editor will provide you with feedback on the accessibility of attached course files and content created within the LMS. For files that are not accessible, Application-specific accessibility fixes can be applied as directed in Boise State University's knowledge base article.

Accessibility Checker Tools

Accessibility Checker by Microsoft, and Grackle Docs, a G Suite add-on, can make everyday course documents accessible to all students and users. These tools scan your document, flag elements that may be inaccessible, and provide instructions on how to correct issues. PDF files generated from Word or Google Docs are often not accessible. If you need to use a PDF, you may need to copy the PDF contents into Google Docs or Microsoft Word, make the content accessible, and provide that instead of the original PDF (this practice is permissible under copyright law).

Related Information

Consider using the following resources for more information on checking the accessibility of course files.

• Canvas Ally by Boise State Teaching & Learning Tools

• How do I use the Accessibility Checker in the New Rich Content Editor as an instructor? article by Canvas located in their Instructor Guide site

• Accessibility Training Video Series by Wake Tech Community College, eLearning Support and Instructional Design team (videos)

• Accessible Syllabus by Tulane University

• Creating Accessible Videos by the University of Washington

• Introduction to Web Accessibility by W3C® Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)

• Make your document or presentation more accessible by Docs Editors Help

• Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities through Microsoft Office Accessibility Center

• Ruling Makes Ten Million Books Accessible to Blind Readers - Fair use when making the text accessible