Accessibility Checklists

Many Aims D2L courses use PDFs, which require specific updates for accessibility, including:

• Logical tagging
• Headings
• Clear document information
• Readable text with good contrast
• Descriptive alt text

However, even with best practices, PDF accessibility isn't guaranteed due to varying operating systems, browsers, devices and assistive technologies. Users with low vision or cognitive disabilities may struggle with font size and text spacing adjustments in PDFs, and screen reader access can be unreliable. Mobile PDF navigation can also be cumbersome with zooming and scrolling. 

Conversely, accessible HTML and Microsoft Word files generally offer better support for screen readers and other assistive tools.

Many Aims departments, programs and D2L courses use Microsoft Word .docx content files, PowerPoint .pptx and Excel .xlsx.  These files need to be made accessible for students with visual, hearing, mobility or cognitive disabilities. 

Google Workspace doesn’t provide tagging features that support document accessibility. To address this, Aims recently implemented Grackle for Google. Grackle is a new tool available for everyone using Google Apps to help you make your Google Apps accessible. 

Grackle works as an “overlay tool” with Google Apps to support the accessibility of content. This includes support for tables, images and document titles. When you run Grackle for Google, it scans your file for many types of accessibility barriers. 

Along with Grackle, use the appropriate Google Workspace checklist to create a more accessible file.

Accessible D2L and other Learning Management System (LMS) course content can help students and faculty with visual, hearing, mobility or cognitive issues to fully access content and interact with courses through tools like keyboard navigation, screen readers, screen magnification, captions and more. 

Aims D2L courses may use documents and media content which need to be made accessible for students with visual, hearing, mobility or cognitive disabilities. When using documents and media content within D2L, make sure to check the appropriate checklist to ensure these items are accessible.

For optimal accessibility, audio and video content should prioritize clarity by using simple language and clear visuals.

Aims D2L courses may use media like podcasts and videos which need to be made accessible for students with visual, hearing, mobility or cognitive disabilities. This work will provide students with easier access to content and better ways to interact with it when navigating with a keyboard or assistive technologies like screen readers or screen magnification tools.

Highly accurate captions are required. Automatic captions created by YouTube or other programs like this are insufficient unless they are checked by a human and any captioning issues are fixed.