Digital Accessibility Resources and Tools

Pursuant to the task force's implementation plan and timeline, the university has onboarded two remediation tools, while still assessing some additional tools for adoption. Additionally, other existing resources, internal and external to the university, are aggregated by category as well to offer you a one-stop shop for remediation tools and guidance.


Primary Content Remediation Tools

Academic Content Resource: Ally for Canvas
Ally works by seamlessly gauging the accessibility of your content within Canvas. It doesn't just identify issues; it also provides guidance and step-by-step instructions to help you make lasting improvements.

Additionally, the instructional design team maintains accessible course design content, as well as an accessibility checklist for Canvas courses or other digital content.
View K-State's Ally Resource Page 
Website Content Resource: Siteimprove
Siteimprove, a platform available to K-State website owners, offers a suite of tools that help us advance K-State's web presence. Chief among these tools are Siteimprove's accessibility module, offering targeted, actionable insights into how users can improve K-State websites.

Additional web content accessibility resource links are also maintained by the Web Services team in the Division of Communications and Marketing.
Learn more about Siteimprove 

 

Additional Resources by Category

Section508.gov: Create Accessible Digital Content
View comprehensive content creation resources and guidance on the Section508.gov website. Guidance is organized by topic, including:

View guidance 
Document and Presentations
Data Capture and Visualization
Video Resources
Social Media Resources

 

General Accessibility DOs and DON'Ts

The instructional design team within the Center for Academic Innovation has created an Accessibility DOs and DON'Ts resource. You may download the PDF file of the DOs and DON'Ts for Digital Accessibility or view the same content below.

Color

  • DON'T use color alone to convey meaning.
  • DO check your colors for accessibility and contrast using WebAIM's contrast checker.
  • Want to level up? DO consider adding a pattern or symbols where color is necessary.
  • Why this matters: Text and elements need sufficient contrast for people with low vision or colorblindness.

Tables

  • DON'T merge cells. Don't leave cells blank.
  • DO define header rows and columns.
  • Want to level up? DO consider if your content would work better as a list!
  • Why this matters: Proper formatting enables screen readers to correctly navigate and interpret table data.

Alt Text

  • DON'T use large amounts of text on images.
  • DO keep it accurate and brief.
  • Want to level up? DO try dividing complex images into multiple images.
  • Why this matters: It's like a rollercoaster you can't get off. Make it easy to listen to.

Headings

  • DON'T just use bold text or change font size.
  • DO add headings in Canvas, Microsoft...everywhere!
  • Want to level up? If you don't have a title option, use an H1.
  • Why this matters: Headings provide visual signposting for all users.

Lists

  • DON'T just manually type with numbers/symbols and spaces.
  • DO use built-in list features: Numbered when order matters, bulleted when it doesn't.
  • Want to level up? Nested lists that use a mix of bullets and numbers are okay to use.
  • Why this matters: Lists, headings and tables that are properly formatted help those who rely on keyboards to navigate web content.

Links

  • DON'T use "click here" or a link that looks like this: https://k-state.instructure.com/
  • DO create a readable link to make screen readers happy., like this article on how to write accessible web content.
  • Want to level up? Links have a distinct style; avoid underlining other text and use italics for emphasis instead.
  • Why this matters: Adding strong descriptive text and links helps everyone know how they are expected to interact with content.

Audio and Video

  • DON'T just use a transcript for videos. Avoid using gifs in Canvas.
  • DO use Mediasite to add captions, and always edit for accuracy, grammar and mechanics.
  • Want to level up? Add audio descriptions in Mediasite for those with vision impairement.
  • Why this matters: Missing captions and audio descriptions leave out those who need this information.


Trainings and Workshops

Looking for training sessions and/or workshops, either live or on-demand? We've got you covered.

View Trainings and Workshops