Requirements for an Accessible Course

Course content used at Texas A&M University is required to meet digital accessibility standards and provide access for people with disabilities. This includes course materials that are only available to enrolled students. If you teach courses, create Canvas content or share documents with students, you have a responsibility to support digital accessibility.

Learn about accessibility standards

Practical Tips for Courses

Pairing a predictable course layout with flexible teaching methods helps students focus on learning.

Course Design and Structure

  • Be consistent.Use a clear and repeating layout for every module so students know what to expect.
  • Offer choices.Provide content in multiple formats such as videos with transcripts or audio versions of readings.
  • Break it up.Use "chunking" to turn long lessons into small and manageable pieces.
  • Set goals.List clear learning objectives at the start of each section to guide learners and set expectations.
  • Use descriptive names.Instead of "Module 1," use specific and meaningful titles like "Module 1: Intro to Biology."

Teaching Practices

  • Use plain language.Avoid jargon, idioms or culturally specific references that may confuse students.
  • Give clear instructions.Be very specific about expectations for assignments, participation and assessments.
  • Offer flexible deadlines.When possible, give students a grace period to help them manage their needs.
  • Encourage different types of participation.Let students contribute through text, video or live chat to suit different comfort levels.
  • Watch the "Cognitive Load."Limit distractions, simplify tasks and scaffold complex ideas slowly.

Accessible Content and Course Materials

Make sure your digital materials work for everyone, including those using assistive technology by following these core accessibility concepts.

More foundational accessibility concepts

Add Alt Text to Images

Provide descriptions for images so screen readers can explain them to visually impaired students.

Learn more about alt text

Provide Captions and Transcripts for Videos

Ensure every video has accurate captions and a written transcript for deaf or hard-of-hearing students.

Learn more about multimedia alternatives

Don't Rely on Color Alone

Never use color as the only way to show meaning or convey information.

Learn more about color and contrast

Pick Readable Fonts

Use high-contrast text (ex. black on white) and simple fonts like Opens Sans, Arial or Calibri.

Avoid Flashing Graphics

Fast-flashing content can cause seizures and should be avoided.

Turn Off Auto-play

Let students choose when to engage with audio or video content rather than having it start automatically.

Use Accessible Documents

Format PDFs, Word docs and slides with proper headings and tags.

Tools and Testing

Use software features to catch accessibility errors before your students do.

More about accessibility testing
  • Use Accessibility Checkers.Run tools like WAVE, Ally or the built-in checkers in Word and Canvas.
  • Test with your keyboard.Ensure all interactive elements like quizzes, forms and buttons can be accessed without a mouse.
  • Use LMS templates.Leverage built-in tools like screen reader compatibility and accessible templates.
  • Ask for feedback.Regularly ask your students what is working and what is not and adapt accordingly.

Related Resources

Accessibility - Checklist for course designers

This checklist aids faculty and staff who are designated to manage, create and/or update content within our Learning Management System or provides as part of course requirements and resources. The standards apply to content within websites, web applications, social media, and documents.