Digital Accessibility
Introduction to Digital Accessibility & Canvas
Digital accessibility involves making electronic content available to and usable by everyone - at the same time, with the same ease of use - including and especially people with disabilities. Canvas sites that are accessible are easier to use for everyone.
Harvard's Digital Accessibility Policy commits HGSE to create Canvas sites and digital teaching materials that meet the WCAG 2.1 AA standards for web accessibility.
HGSE requires faculty and staff to pay heed to their particular responsibilities as we work as a school to achieve full compliance.
You are not alone! If you need trainings, any support, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the instructional technology team.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities for Everyone
Anyone and everyone who edits a Canvas site -- including faculty, TA/TFs, and staff:
- Should be trained on digital accessibility requirements.
- Must attempt to maintain accessibility standards.
Responsibilities for Site Owners
Anyone who owns a Canvas site -- including faculty who operate course sites -- is responsible for the accessibility of their Canvas site, including:
- Working with HGSE IT to design accessible sites and documents.
- Ensuring those editing the site are trained on accessibility.
- Ensuring the site and materials shared on the site are checked and reviewed for accessibility prior to publishing.
Canvas Site Requirements
- Pages and documents/handouts should be manually reviewed for accessibility.
- The "Accessibility Dashboard" automated checker should be used to scan the site for errors and alerts. Errors should be resolved and alerts reviewed.
- The content block at the bottom of the homepage concerning accessibility must not be removed.
- The sidebar link to "Report an Access Barrier" must not be removed and must be added if missing after importing.
Resources and Trainings
Our team can provide training, consultations, and active assistance - just let us know. Harvard's Digital Accessibility Services also provide trainings. Instructional Team members responsible for editing Canvas should take the Digital Accessibility for Content Creators training.