Quercus (Canvas) Accessibility Checker helps instructors identify and address common accessibility issues in course content created using the Rich Content Editor. It checks for potential barriers involving images, headings, links, tables, lists, and colour contrast, and provides suggestions for correcting them.
Instructors can use Accessibility Checker when developing or revising Quercus Pages, assignment instructions, discussions, announcements, and other course materials created in the Rich Content Editor. The tool supports accessible course design, but automated checking should be complemented by human review.
Using Quercus Accessibility Checker
Accessibility Checker is built into the Quercus Rich Content Editor, which instructors use to create and edit course content. It checks the content within the editor rather than scanning an entire course.
To use Accessibility Checker:
- Open your Quercus course.
- Navigate to the content you want to review, such as a Page or Assignment.
- Select Edit to open the Rich Content Editor.
- Locate the Accessibility Checker icon near the bottom of the editor. The icon shows a person inside a circle.
- If accessibility issues are detected, a number appears beside the icon.
- Select the icon to open the Accessibility Checker sidebar.
The sidebar identifies potential issues and provides explanations and suggested corrections.
For detailed instructions and screenshots, consult Canvas’s How do I use the Accessibility Checker in the Rich Content Editor?
Reviewing and Addressing Accessibility Issues
Accessibility Checker highlights potential issues within the Rich Content Editor and guides instructors through correcting them.
To review and resolve issues:
- Open Accessibility Checker in the Rich Content Editor.
- Review the highlighted content and the explanation displayed in the sidebar.
- Select the Information icon for additional details about the issue.
- If multiple issues are identified, use Previous and Next to move between them.
- Follow the suggested instructions to correct the issue. For example, enter meaningful alternative text for an informative image.
- Select Apply to make the correction.
- Continue reviewing issues until all identified issues have been addressed.
- Save your changes to the Quercus content.
When all detected issues have been resolved, Accessibility Checker indicates that no issues remain.
Common Accessibility Issues
Quercus Accessibility Checker identifies several common issues in course materials.
- Missing alternative text: Add meaningful descriptions to informative images and mark decorative images appropriately.
- Image filenames used as alternative text: Replace filenames with descriptions that communicate the image’s purpose or content.
- Insufficient colour contrast: Adjust text and background colours to improve readability.
- Skipped heading levels: Use a logical heading hierarchy without skipping levels.
- Incorrectly formatted lists: Use the Rich Content Editor’s built-in bulleted or numbered list tools.
- Table accessibility: Include appropriate table headers, header scope, and captions. Use tables for data rather than page layout.
- Link formatting: Review links flagged by the checker and correct issues such as adjacent links pointing to the same destination.
Not every accessibility issue can be detected automatically. For example, instructors should also review whether alternative text is meaningful, links are descriptive, and the content is organized clearly.
Creating Accessible Quercus Course Materials
Accessibility is most effective when considered throughout course development rather than only after content is completed.
Instructors can use Quercus Accessibility Checker when preparing:
- Course Pages: Review headings, links, images, tables, and other elements that help students navigate and understand course information.
- Assignment instructions: Check the accessibility of instructions, images, links, and supporting information.
- Announcements: Review the clarity and accessibility of information communicated to students.
- Discussions: Check prompts and instructions created in the Rich Content Editor.
- Syllabus content: Review the accessibility of course information entered directly into the Quercus Syllabus.
The Quercus Accessibility Checker evaluates content created in the Rich Content Editor. It does not check the accessibility of Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, or other files simply because they have been uploaded to Quercus. It also does not evaluate content within external tools or integrations.
For documents created in Microsoft 365, instructors can use Microsoft Accessibility Checker before sharing them with students.
Reviewing Accessibility with SLIDE
The SLIDE framework, developed by accessibility educator Dr. Luis Pérez (CAST), offers a memorable approach to reviewing document and presentation accessibility. SLIDE stands for Styles, Links, Images, Design, and Evaluation.
- Styles: Use meaningful headings and appropriate formatting to support structure and navigation.
- Links: Use descriptive hyperlink text that communicates the purpose or destination of a link.
- Images: Provide meaningful alternative text for informative images and identify decorative images appropriately.
- Design: Consider colour contrast, readable text, logical organization, and layouts that reduce unnecessary barriers.
- Evaluation: Use accessibility checking tools and human review to identify and address potential issues.
CTSI’s UDL Express: SLIDE into Accessibility Resources series explores these five considerations through short videos, practical examples, and additional resources.
Beyond Automated Accessibility Checks
Quercus Accessibility Checker can identify many common accessibility barriers, but it cannot determine whether course content is fully accessible, inclusive, or usable. Content may pass automated checks while remaining difficult to understand, navigate, or use.
After addressing identified issues, review your materials from the perspective of the students who will use them:
- Accessibility: Can students access and interact with the content using different technologies and approaches?
- Inclusion: Do the materials anticipate different learners and support meaningful participation?
- Usability: Can students find, understand, and use the information without unnecessary effort?
Human review is essential for identifying barriers that automated tools may miss, including unclear instructions, confusing organization, inappropriate alternative text, inaccessible embedded materials, and unnecessary complexity.
Accessibility checking is therefore one part of an ongoing process of designing, reviewing, and improving course materials.
Additional Learning and Support
The University of Toronto’s AODA Office offers document accessibility workshops and other training opportunities. Consult the Accessibility at U of T website for information about available programming.
Explore CTSI’s UDL Programming to join workshops and events, access past recordings, or request programming for your department or division.
For pedagogical guidance on developing accessible Quercus course materials, instructors can also book a consultation with CTSI.