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Why do I need to have an accessible syllabus?
Why do I need to have an accessible syllabus?
The U.S. Department of Justice issued enhanced regulations for web and mobile accessibility under Title II of the ADA, with a compliance date of April 24, 2026, for all public entities serving populations of over 50,000 people. STCC is part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts higher education, and follows Massachusetts Title II guidance. To meet Title II requirements, content needs to comply with WCAG (web content accessibility guidelines) 2.1 AA standards. The enhanced accessibility requirements apply to, for example, learning management systems like Blackboard, faculty course content, and online textbooks. An accessible syllabus is the first step to creating a barrier free course entry point for all learners.
What makes a syllabus accessible?
What makes a syllabus accessible?
An accessible syllabus follows WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines and is:
Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive. For example, images need to have alternative text so that a student using a screen reader can perceive the image.
Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable. For example, student can use just their keyboard to navigate through the document without relying on a mouse.
Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable. For example, consistent navigation allows for students to easily understand content.
Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. Common examples of assistive technologies are screen readers, screen magnifiers, and voice recognition software.
What are key components of an accessible syllabus?
What are key components of an accessible syllabus?
See full guidance on document accessibility for additional information.
How do I create and check my syllabus, and submit my accessibility score?
How do I create and check my syllabus, and submit my accessibility score?
Step 1: Create an accessible syllabus with Microsoft Word
Step 1: Create an accessible syllabus with Microsoft Word
Create your syllabus document:
Start with the accessible syllabus template. See the embedded Microsoft Word syllabus template, and download it for your use.
If you prefer to adjust your existing syllabus document, make sure to follow document accessibility guidelines.
Check to see if any adjustments are needed using the Microsoft Word accessibility checker.
You can add your Microsoft Word syllabus directly to Blackboard or Save as Adobe PDF, and add the PDF to Blackboard. Important: do not use the "print to PDF" option.
Click to Pop-Out syllabus preview, and select to download the document.
Course Syllabus Template_Equitable.docxStep 1: Create an Accessible syllabus with Google Docs
Step 1: Create an Accessible syllabus with Google Docs
Create your syllabus document:
Start with the accessible Google Docs Syllabus Template (click Use Template to make a copy to edit in your Google Drive).
If you prefer to adjust your existing syllabus document, make sure to follow document accessibility guidelines.
Check to see if any adjustments are needed using the Grackle Docs extension for Google Docs.
You will need to add a PDF version of your syllabus to Blackboard in order to check your syllabus with Ally. From Google Docs, use Grackle to Export to PDF. Important: do not use the "Download PDF document" from the File menu.
Step 2: Use Ally to check your syllabus for accessibility
Step 2: Use Ally to check your syllabus for accessibility
Ally in Blackboard checks course files for accessibility. Ally will provide an accessibility score for syllabi posted as Microsoft Word or PDF files. Ally shows you the accessibility issues and gives a step-by-step guide on how to fix them. Your syllabus must have an Ally accessibility score of at least 85% to meet Title II requirements. Use Ally feedback to improve accessibility as needed.
See additional information on accessibility scores or watch the video.
Step 3: Submit your accessibility score
Step 3: Submit your accessibility score
Email your Dean a screenshot or printout of the Ally score.
Need help?
Need help?
Join a workshop or hands on help session. See the Professional Development workshops schedule for dates and times. Support is available both in person and via webinar.
Meet with an Instructional Designer:
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