Embedded Files
FAQs
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about digital accessibility.
How do I know if my course materials are accessible to all students?
Accessible materials follow WCAG principles: clear structure, readable text, alt text for visuals, captions for media, and compatibility with assistive technologies. YuJa Panorama and other accessibility checkers can help identify areas for improvement and assist with the remediation of course content.
What is this April 2026 deadline I keep hearing about?
In April 2026, the ADA Title II Web Mobile Application Accessibility Rule set by the Department of Justice will require colleges and universities to make all digital course materials compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA.
The compliance deadline for entities with populations of 50,000 or more is April 24, 2026.
Where do I even get started with making my content accessible?
All course content does not need to be remediated in a single day. Continual improvement with accessibility compliance is better than delayed perfection.
Review the 5 Steps to Get Started.
To help get started, Distance Learning recommends the following:
Identify high usage courses - which courses typically have the highest enrollment? Which files are most important for student success?
Review course materials and ensure that files within the course and the manage files section in D2L are needed. If not, remove unneeded content from the course.
Utilize accessibility checkers to assist with remediating course content.
YuJa Panorama: Files uploaded to D2L (Word, PowerPoint, PDF, etc..)
Grackle: Install the add on for assistance fixing Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets
Review the Accessible Content Guidance page for additional information regarding accessibility issues and solutions.
What files do I need to worry about?
Any course files that are available for students to access in D2L.
Panorama will only process files published in the course. If files are no longer needed, it is recommended to remove them from the Manage Files section within the Course Admin menu of the course. Additionally, courses can be reprocessed to accurately reflect updates via the Course Report from the Panorama link within the D2L Navbar.
The scoring model was updated prior to creation of Spring 2026 course shells in D2L. Focus on the content in shells for Spring 2026 courses and beyond.
When I’m stuck or unsure how to make a particularly challenging item accessible, who can I contact?
Feel free to reach out to either Instructional Technology & Accessibility Coordinator
Ryan Karp - rkarp@elgin.edu 847-214-7107 C215
Kyle Ahlmann - kahlmann@elgin.edu 847-214-7476 C213
How do I add alt text to images, and when is it necessary?
Alt text is a short description of an image that makes course content accessible to students using screen readers. Add it anytime an image conveys meaning—such as photos, charts, diagrams, or icons. Mark it as a decorative image if no meaningful information is conveyed.
In Word/PowerPoint/Excel: Right-click → Edit Alt Text
In Google Docs/Slides: Right-click → Alt text
In D2L: Right-click → Image → Alternative Description. This can also be added when adding the image using Insert Stuff.
Tip: Ask yourself, “If a student can’t see this image, what do they need to know?” That’s your alt text.
How do I make math and equations accessible?
The best solution to make accessible equations is to provide them in a digital format like MathML or LaTeX, which screen readers can interpret. If you must paste equations as images, include alt text or a written explanation.
In Word: Use the built-in Equation Editor, these will export to MathML.
In D2L's HTML editor: Insert equations using the equation tool; it outputs MathML.
With LaTeX: Tools (such as Equatio) let you type equations using LaTeX code (e.g., \frac{a}{b} for a fraction), which can be read or converted to MathML.
Tip: If a student can have the equation read aloud, copied, or edited—not just seen—it’s generally accessible.
How can I make sure my videos are accessible?
To make videos accessible, provide accurate captions and, when needed, a brief description of visuals that are essential for understanding. Avoid relying only on sound or only on visuals.
Captions: All faculty and students have access to YouTube with their campus Google accounts. Upload your video on YouTube to generate automatic captions, then edit them for accuracy.
In D2L: When inserting a video note via ‘Insert Stuff’ in the HTML editor, select your audio language and check the ‘Automatically generate captions from audio’ box.
Descriptions: If visuals convey key information (like a chart or demonstration), describe them briefly in the narration or provide a short text summary.
Tip: Auto-captions are a start, but always review and fix errors—especially in subject-specific terms.
Guides
Guides
Explore the list of guides for support with processes or technical aspects of tools that support digital accessibility.
General Accessibility
General Accessibility
Section 508 Guidance - Various guides, with video, for different types of content
Course Accessibility Checklist - A checklist with resources that can be used when reviewing course content
Accessible Education: The Complete Guide - A blog post from D2L outlining methods to improve accessibility within the LMS
Quality Matters Accessibility Guide - Overview of Standard 8: Accessibility
Accessible Media
Accessible Media
Authoring Meaningful Alternative Text - Guidance from Section508.gov
Accessibility and Best Practices for Zoom Meetings - Yale University
YuJa Panorama
YuJa Panorama
Microsoft
Microsoft
Google
Google
PDF
PDF
Videos
Videos
Learn more about digital accessibility by watching the following videos.
ECC Distance Learning - Course Accessibility YouTube Playlist
Previous Training & Workshop recordings can be found under Trainings
Getting Started with YuJa Panorama for Instructors in D2L Brightspace
Publisher Accessibility Information
Publisher Accessibility Information
Many, including publishing companies, are adapting to evolving digital accessibility guidance. There may be updates to videos, notes, and presentation slides available in accessible formats. Explore the resources, and contact information, different publishers provide related to the accessibility of their platforms.
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