Embedded Files
The ARC Can Help
Adjusting teaching aids to make them accessible can be a cumbersome task. If you need help getting started, tapping into resources, struggling with a tricky document, or cannot do it all yourself, please reach out to the ARC or set up a session with our staff by using the Get Support page.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO INSTRUCTORS
Faculty should ensure that all required readings must be accessible for students who receive Alternative Format Texts as an accommodation.
The ARC will assist students with obtaining pdf versions of their textbooks when notified in advance.
Articles and supplementary readings are the responsibility of the instructor.
Many articles students bring us from Canvas are unfortunately not accessible. You can test your articles in advance by opening a PDF. If you can highlight lines of text, the PDF is accessible to a screen reader.
A pdf must have Optical Character Recognition (OCR) which is a technology that enables the reader to convert different types of documents into searchable data. Campus printers can scan (free) in OCR. You must select OCR as an option under “File Format”.
If you use PDFs that contain images that are important to learning, you must provide alternative text for the images. Please reach out to the ARC if you need support.
Scanned texts should not have handwritten notes or highlighted passages because most E-reader programs cannot process them properly.
When creating slides for class, stick to preset layouts as much as possible. These are designed with screen readers in mind. Also offer alternative text for any images that are critical to the lesson.
How to convert files into accessible formats
Files can be made accessible by using campus scanning, Read & Write Gold, Adobe Pro., Sedja, and Small PDF. See below for instructions and tips. The ARC maintains an account with Sedja. If you would like access to our tools, reach out to accessibilit@guilford.edu.
Canvas has useful features
Canvas has terrific accessibility tools built-in. Lean into what Canvas can do as a way to support you and your learners. Reference these guides for support and set up a working session on our Get Support page.
acrobat-xi-pro-accessibility-best-practice-guide.pdfThree-Steps-to-Creating-an-Accessible-PDF-file-without-Adobe-Acrobat-rev-06242016.pdfSeven-Steps-to-Creating-an-Accessible-Word-document-rev-062016.pdfSeven-Steps-to-Creating-an-Accessible-PowerPoint-Slideshow-rev-062016.pdfPage updated
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