Tools for Creating Accessible Content

SJSU has invested in a range of tools that can help you make content more accessible. Expand the links below to learn more about each resource.

• Ally

  • At SJSU, we use Ally to review the accessibility of course materials located in Canvas, our Learning Management System. Ally provides you with feedback on the accessibility of your materials and gives guidance for how to improve their accessibility. Please note: The Ally Course Accessibility Report is only viewable by the instructor. 

    See Ally Resources for Instructors and consider enrolling in the self-paced Accessibility with Ally: A Self-Directed Course for faculty and staff where you will learn more about Ally, common accessibility considerations in higher-education, accessible design concepts, and step-by-step guidance on using different tools and applications (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat DC) to create accessible and inclusive learning experiences.

    In addition, Ally makes it possible for learners to download course materials in alternative formats, including OCRed PDF, Tagged PDF, HTML, ePub, Electronic Braille, audio MP3, and BeeLine Reader.  Encourage your students to take advantage of the alternative formats in Canvas. Feel free to share the Ally Resources for Students page with them.

    Email eCampus@sjsu.edu for assistance or to request an instructional design consultation.

• GrackleDocs

  • Install the Grackle Docs add-on in Google Docs, Google Slides and Google Sheets. It scans your documents and provides guidance on remediating the accessibility issues. These add-ons are only available for SJSU employees.

• SJSU Official Syllabus Template

  • Select SJSU Official Syllabus Template in the left navigation in Canvas. The institutional and departmental sections will be automatically populated and updated when necessary. 

    Reach out to eCampus@sjsu.edu with any questions and consider applying for the Audit your Syllabus self-directed course to review your syllabus from accessibility, cost and diversity perspectives.

• Canvas Accessibility Checker

  • The Canvas accessibility checker provides an additional review of Canvas rich text editor content. Whether it be a Canvas page or instructions in a Canvas assignment, use the Canvas accessibility checker to ensure your content is accessible.Additionally, please view the Canvas Course Accessibility Checklist for more guidance.

• Zoom

  • Here are some ways to increase the accessibility of your Zoom sessions:

    • Enable closed captioning for live Zoom sessions
    • Provide descriptive alt text for screen sharing
    • Encourage students to use virtual backgrounds for privacy
    • Offer recorded sessions with transcripts

    Use live captioners when needed. See guidance for including live captioners in Zoom (Follow-up with AEC for campus-specific guidelines). Possible text (if needed):  Faculty members should configure Zoom to include a live captioner for Deaf and hard of hearing students. Live captions ensure that the content of the meeting is accessible in real-time, promoting inclusivity and providing an equitable learning experience.

    Enable sign language interpretation view if a Deaf or hard of hearing student is registered in your course.  Empower your students and foster inclusivity by configuring Zoom for ASL interpretation.  This ensures that Deaf and hard of hearing students can fully participate in your classes.

• Panopto

  • With Panopto, SJSU employees and students have access to a comprehensive video platform that promotes a more active learning environment with video engagement and recording tools that are accessible to all. Panopto helps meet accessibility requirements for online video content through flexible captioning options, screen reader support, textual and visual searching and more. Note: Students can only record using Panopto if they are accessing it through a Canvas assignment. Please see How to Create a Panopto Video Assignment.

• Social Media Accessibility

  • SJSU’s Social Media Accessibility Guidelines is a great starting point for creating more accessible social media posts. SJSU Writing Center’s Inclusive Writing Part 1 [pdf] has specific guidance on using inclusive language thereby reaching and connecting with more viewers. Review pages 37-40 of the SJSU Brand Style Guide [pdf]to align your posts with SJSU’s mission.

• Email Guidelines

  • Please refer to Creating Accessible Content for guidance on the general principles required for creating accessible email including font size, color contrast and alternative text. Gmail doesn’t support heading structure, so this is the only time that using larger font size or bold text can work in lieu of proper heading structure. See SJSU Writing Center’s Inclusive Writing Part 1 [pdf] for guidance.

• Docusign Accessibility Guidelines

  • Please refer to Creating Accessible Content for guidance on the general principles required for creating accessible documents. Use the accessibility checker in Docusign to review the document. Select “review” then “check accessibility.” For more information on using Docusign, see Making the Signing Experience Accessible for All.