Every two weeks since February we have shared a common accessibility "issue" in Canvas that instructors may encounter in an UDOIT scan report, what it means, and a method of fixing it.
The Universal Design Online Inspection Tool (UDOIT) (pronounced, "You Do It") is an automated accessibility auditing tool for Canvas courses.
Revising course content is an ongoing and evolving effort, and there's no need to make sweeping changes all at once. Instead, small adjustments can have a significant impact, especially when they are considered thoughtfully.
What Did We Cover?
We based the tips this spring on the top issues at UMD according to UDOIT:
- February 17: Alternative Text Should Not Be the Image Filename
- March 3: Avoid Using Styles for Document Structure
- March 10-14 Spring Break - no article
- March 17: Link Has Nondescript Text
- March 31: Avoid Using Color Alone for Emphasis
- April 14: Insufficient Text Color Contrast With the Background
You can find the archive of messages at the ITSS Infotech.News website. They are labeled Academic Technology Accessibility Tips. Infotech.News also includes accessibility articles by our campus web accessibility liaisons.
One More Hot Tip
Leave that content you aren't actively using in your prior course!
When you copy your content forward, if you use Modules or Pages to structure your content, you can copy forward just the Modules or Pages, and it will pull forward all content associated with them.
If you have a module full of potential activities or resources leave that one behind - it's simple to later move one or two things you might want as you use them (and make them accessible at that time). Instructions and rationale for this can be found on the Remove Strategy - Module or Pages Structure slide deck, developed by UMN Academic Technology community members.
When you limit the content in your teaching courses, you automatically limit the amount of content you need to make accessible. This is the fastest way to reduce the amount of work you need to do.
How To Get Support?
Zoom Drop-ins
Drop-in sessions are offered via Zoom for your convenience at Academic Technology Drop-in (Zoom link).
Spring 2025 drop-in sessions (through May 14).
- Monday 2 to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday 2 to 3 p.m.
- Wednesday 9 to 10 a.m.
- Thursday 10 to 11 a.m.
Accessibility Jumpstarts
Upcoming Accessibility Jumpstart in-person sessions are scheduled in Kirby Plaza 175.
- Tuesday, April 29, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Friday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursday, May, 15, 1 to 3 p.m.
Schedule Time With an ODA Consultant
The Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA) holds virtual office hours via Zoom on the first Thursday of every month, 1 to 2 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Submit questions about the accessibility of a University of Minnesota course, website or document via the ODA Consultation or Audit Request Form.