ELMS-Canvas Accessibility Tools

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Sue Johnston, M.S., M.A.T.

Accessible Learning Designer, Division of IT

itaccessibility@umd.edu

�DIT | Academic Technology & Innovation

Slides available at https://go.umd.edu/ELMS-Access-ToolsFA2023

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Slides are available at: go.umd.edu/elms-access-tools-spring2025

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Agenda

1. Student Resources:
• High Contrast Mode
• Immersive Reader
• Alternative formats
2. Instructor Resources
• ELMS-Canvas Accessibility Checker
• Design Tools Checker
• Ally
3. Accessibility Resources

What content should we be concerned with?

ANY online information used for instruction (whether created by instructors or by a third party)

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• ELMS-Canvas space and content
• Documents
• Readings and Textbooks
• Word, PPT, PDF, other documents
• External websites
• Media
• Video, audio, podcasts, other
• eTools

6 Essential Steps

for Digital Accessibility

1. Headings
2. Links
3. Color & Contrast
4. Images
5. Tables
6. Media

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DIY IT Accessibility Handout

• Download 6 Essential Steps Infographics (PDF)
• Download text version (word)

ELMS-Canvas demo

Student Resources

• High Contrast Mode
• Immersive Reader
• Alternative Formats

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Instructor Resources

• ELMS-Canvas Accessibility Checker
• DesignPlus Checker
• Ally

Start improving course accessibility

• Course syllabus
• New content
• Prioritize all your content
• Make a plan and use resources

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• Flexibility on course design / Universal Design for Learning
• Multiple ways to present information/content
• Multiple ways to assess and evaluate student learning / student express knowledge
• Pre recorded vs. live lectures
• Discussion live vs. discussion board
• Availability of exams/quizzes
• Timed assignments

IT Accessibility Services and Resources

• Website: itaccessibility.umd.edu | Email: itaccessibility@umd.edu
• Panopto Professional Captioning Service
• Request Consultation & Training
• Accessibility and disability related concerns: accessibility@umd.edu

Tools

ELMS - Test and Improve Accessibility

Documents

Alternative Format

Provide captions

• Ally Accessibility Tool
• Design Tools Accessibility Checker
• ELMS Accessibility Checker
• Course Accessibility Checklist

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• Microsoft Accessibility Checkers
• Use Styles menu
• Include Alternative Text for Images
• Adobe PDF checker

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ELMS - Extend time for quizzes

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• Best Practices for Delivering Online Quizzes in ELMS-Canvas

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• Quiz Extensions

• SensusAccess

• Panopto auto captions

ELMS-Canvas Accessibility Tools

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​

Sue Johnston, M.S., M.A.T.

Accessible Learning Designer, Division of IT

itaccessibility@umd.edu

�DIT | Academic Technology & Innovation

Slides available at https://go.umd.edu/ELMS-Access-ToolsFA2023

​

​

Slides are available at: go.umd.edu/elms-access-tools-spring2025

​

​