Make your Canvas course as readable as possible
Use headings
A heading is a short phrase describing what the succeeding section is all about. You can think of it as the title of that particular section. Headings help structure your text so it's easier to read and find important information quicker. This is useful for every student. But for students who rely on a screen reader because they are blind or have a visual impairment, it's important to use the actual "Headings" function to create headings. If you make your own, for example by making text bold, highlighted or a bigger font, screen readers will not pick up on this. Also make sure to use the proper heading hierarchy (Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3, etc.) to organise content. This way, screen readers can easily jump from section to section and the students know what sections belong together. Make sure to name your headings logically, so students have a good idea what to expect to find in the following section.
How to create Headings?
There are two ways to create headings in Canvas. Both ways you can find when you are in the edit mode of a Canvas page.
In the toolbar above your text box, there's a "Paragraph" button. Click this to find several heading options. See the left image below.
If the "Paragraph" button in unavailable, another option is to go to Format > Formats > Headings. A list with all possible headings will appear for you to choose from. See the right image below.
Why are headings important for accessibility?
Document structure: Headings provide a logical structure to the content, allowing screen reader users to navigate through the page more efficiently. Headings help them understand the organisation of the information and find specific sections quickly. Screen readers typically have features that allow users to jump between headings, making it easier to navigate long documents or web pages.
Context and comprehension: Headings give context and meaning to the content. They provide an overview of what each section or subsection is about. Screen reader users rely on headings to grasp the overall structure and hierarchy of the information. Clear and descriptive headings enhance comprehension and make it easier for users to locate the specific content they are interested in.
Orientation and orientation: Headings help users orient themselves within a document or web page. They serve as landmarks, guiding users as they navigate through the content. Headings act as signposts, allowing screen reader users to understand where they are and how the information is organised.
Efficiency and speed: By using headings, screen reader users can navigate directly to the sections they need without having to listen to the entire page. This saves time and effort, especially for long and complex documents. Users can jump from heading to heading, focusing on the content that is most relevant to them.
Overall, the use of headings improves the user experience for screen reader users, facilitating navigation, comprehension, and efficient access to information. By structuring content with headings, you create a more inclusive and accessible experience for individuals who rely on screen readers to access digital content.