Brightspace/Classes Accessibility Tips

  1. CREATE CONTENT DIRECTLY IN BRIGHTSPACE/CLASSES
    Instead of uploading documents, consider copying and pasting or creating content directly in an HTML page. This will increase the usability of screen readers.
     
  2. USE THE PROVIDED HTML TEMPLATES
    Accessible, Pace-branded HTML templates are available to all faculty. These templates assist content creators with setting headings, readable fonts, and other accessibility features. They provide additional elements such as accordions and cards that help progressive disclosure of content to prevent overwhelming learners. https://helpdesk.pace.edu/TDClient/213/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=4821
     
  3. USE THE BRIGHTSPACE/ClASSES BUILT-IN ACCESSIBILITY CHECKER
    The Accessibility Checker is available within the HTML Editor when you create or edit HTML content pages. It is located right beside the Spellcheck button. You can select “Check Accessibility” anytime while editing your content.

  4. ONLY UPLOAD PDF SCANS WHICH ARE TEXT-RECOGNIZABLE
    https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/create-verify-pdf-accessibility.html

  5. USE THE MICROSOFT ACCESSIBILITY CHECKERS BEFORE UPLOADING ANY DOCUMENTS
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/improve-accessibility-with-the-accessibility-checker-a16f6de0-2f39-4a2b-8bd8-5ad801426c7f

  6. ADD ALT. TEXT TO ALL IMAGES
    Add a description of all images uploaded to Brightspace/Classes and those embedded in documents.

  7. PROVIDE VIDEO OR AUDIO NOTES IN ADDITION TO WRITTEN FEEDBACK
    The submission grader in Brightspace/Classes has two buttons which allow for quick creation of video or audio feedback.

  8. PROVIDE CONTENT IN MULTIPLE FORMATS
    To meet the varied needs of students and create a richly engaging course, utilize various forms of media (.pptx files, YouTube, LinkedIn Learning courses, audio lectures, practice quizzes) and HTML elements to introduce content to students.

  9. ALLOW SUBMISSIONS IN MULTIPLE FORMATS
    Allow learners to complete their work and upload their assignments in a variety of formats based on their abilities and choice of expression. For example, a student may need to utilize speech to text software for assignments and exams.

  10. ENSURE ALL VIDEOS YOU CREATE HAVE CLOSED CAPTIONS
    Video captions are automatic and editable using any of Pace’s or Brightspace/Classes video creation tools.

  11. USE BRIGHTSPACE/CLASSES NATIVE TOOLS TO ASSIST WITH STUDENT ORGANIZATION
    Work To Do widget
    Checklists
    Visual Table of Contents

  12. PACE’S ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES
    Pace's Academic Technology Accessibility Page

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