This checklist highlights the key accessibility requirements, by content type, for your UMSL course materials. Use it to ensure your content meets ADA Title II compliance standards by April 24, 2026.
Course Information and Syllabus
- Include Disability Access Services (DAS) information in your syllabus. Access syllabus templates here.
- Provide a link to DAS in your Canvas course
- Include information about how students can request accommodations
- Ensure your syllabus is available in an accessible digital format
- Make accommodation policies visible and easy to find in Canvas
Canvas Course Content
- Run TidyUp to clean up unused course content
- Run Ally to scan your course(s) for accessibility issues
- Use headings to organize content
- Add alternative text to images
- Caption videos or provide transcripts
- Use descriptive links
- Format lists as proper bullet or numbered lists
- Check the accessibility of any uploaded PDFs
- Ensure that any equations are accessible
Documents
Word, PDF, PowerPoint, etc.
- Use heading styles for document structure
- Include alternative text for all images
- Use descriptive hyperlink texts (not “click here”)
- Ensure sufficient color contrast
- Create accessible tables with header rows
- Use the tool’s built-in accessibility checker
Multimedia
Third-Party Tools and Resources
- Test accessibility features before implementation
- Provide alternative formats when necessary