Moodle/Canvas Accessibility

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Basic Page Structure 

For the most part, the elements of basic page structure and style considerations will be very similar to those of other programs and documents reviewed on this site. 

As with any electronic medium, assigning heading levels is an important component of accessibility and readability. Headings are particularly tricky within Moodle since the text editor does not list heading levels as text style options. Instead, there are Large, Medium, and Small heading options and Paragraph text styles. 

Large: The Large text style option reads with a screen reader as "Heading Level 3", which is the same heading level given to the region heading (regions are usually the weekly separations). Using this same heading level within the regions can make navigation a bit tough for some users, so it is suggested that this text style not be used within regions. 

Medium: The Medium text style reads with a screen reader as "Heading Level 4" and would be appropriate for separating sections within one region. 

Small: The Small text style reads with a screen reader as "Heading Level 5" and would be appropriate for separating subsections of Medium text style sections. 

Paragraph: The Paragraph text style option does not read as a heading level. It is basic standard text and should be used for most of the text content on the page. 

Remember - tables should not be used to format the structure of content. They should only be used to display data. 

Font Selection 

Many people struggle with vision impairments of various degrees and certain fonts, font styles, and characteristics can exacerbate these issues. Moodle has a pretty basic text editor, so the primary thing to keep in mind is that it is important to avoid using italics when possible. If you would like to draw attention to certain phrases or words, bold and/or underlined is usually best practice. 

Use of Color 

A significant portion of the population has some form of color blindness. It is important to not rely solely on color to convey the necessary information. 

• Partner color with other meaningful information like text, shape, or pattern. 

• Use high contrasting colors. If you're unsure if your colors contrast enough, check out WebAIM's online contrast checker. 

• One great way to check this is printing the presentation or document in black and white and reviewing - can the meaning still be understood without color?

Hyperlinks 

Hyperlinks are important to send a reader to more information, but the reader should know where they are going when they click the link and why. 

• Always use descriptive hyperlinks. 

  • "Click here to learn more" doesn't help a person know where the link will take them. 

  • Try to make the hyperlink a few words long so that people with weak motor skills can still use the mouse to click. 

• Hyperlink URL addresses should begin with http:// or https://. 

• Ensure that the content that the link takes the reader to is also accessible. If you are unsure if the content is accessible, you can contact formata@linnbenton.edu for consultation. 

Alternative Text 

Images: When uploading an image to Moodle, be sure to complete the prompt, "Describe this image for someone who cannot see it". Be sure that the image is a concise description of the important information from the image. This should be done for most images that are uploaded and is only ever not necessary when the image is purely decorative. If the image is decorative, be sure to check the box for "Description not necessary". 

Video or Audio: Video or audio files should have corresponding captions/subtitles, descriptions, and transcripts. LBCC has a process involving Media Services to have closed captioning and transcripts developed for videos. The AV Closed Captioning Request Form can be used to request to have a video or digital file closed-captioned for instructional use at LBCC. Be sure to request at least two weeks prior to when you need the final product. Developing closed captioning and transcripts can take time. If you have further questions on this process, please contact classroomsupport-lb@linnbenton.edu.