Skip to content

Accessibility for Teaching

Creating Inclusive Learning Environments

The University of California, Merced is committed to creating learning environments that are accessible to all. By implementing digital accessibility best practices, we follow universal design principles that benefit everyone while ensuring compliance with legal standards such as the ADA, Section 504, and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

What is Accessibility?

Accessibility ensures that all students, including those with disabilities, can:

  • Access the same information
  • Engage equally in learning activities
  • Utilize the same services

Creating accessible content isn't just about compliance—it's about creating better learning experiences for everyone. When we design with accessibility in mind, we improve usability for all students, regardless of their circumstances or learning preferences.

The Universal Design for Learning Approach

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that improves teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. Rather than retrofitting content for students with disabilities, UDL encourages us to build flexibility into our teaching from the start.

UDL is built on three core principles:

  1. Multiple means of engagement - the "why" of learning
  2. Multiple means of representation - the "what" of learning
  3. Multiple means of action and expression - the "how" of learning

By providing options that work for different learners, we create educational experiences that are inherently more inclusive and effective.

Creating Accessible Course Content

Canvas Course Materials

Canvas provides robust tools for creating accessible content. Here are key practices:

✓ Add Alt Text for Images
Alt text provides a text description of images for screen reader users. Keep descriptions brief (under 120 characters) and relevant to the educational context. Learn how to add alt text in Canvas

✓ Use Canvas Accessibility Checker
Canvas includes a built-in accessibility checker that helps identify and fix common issues. Using the Canvas Accessibility Checker

✓ Create Descriptive Hyperlinks
Use meaningful link text that explains where the link leads. Avoid generic phrases like "click here." Creating descriptive hyperlinks in Canvas

✓ Use Headings for Structure
Properly structured headings help all students navigate your content and are essential for screen reader users. Adding headings in Canvas

✓ Format Lists Properly
Use the built-in list tools rather than manually creating lists with symbols or numbers. Creating lists in Canvas

✓ Use Tables Correctly
Use tables only for data, not layout. Include headers and captions when appropriate. Creating accessible tables in Canvas

✓ Emphasize Text Appropriately
Don't rely solely on color to emphasize text. Use bold, italic, or underline formatting in addition to color.

Documents and Presentations

✓ Creating Accessible Word Documents
Microsoft offers built-in accessibility checking tools and supports proper heading structure, alt text, and more. Microsoft Office Accessibility Center

✓ Accessible PowerPoint Presentations
Design slides that work for everyone with proper contrast, sufficient text size, and meaningful structure. PowerPoint Accessibility Guide

✓ PDF Accessibility
Ensure PDFs are properly tagged and have text recognition (not just scanned images). Creating Accessible PDFs

Media Accessibility

✓ Video Captioning
UC Merced supports Kaltura for video hosting, which provides automatic machine-generated transcription that can be edited for accuracy. Using Kaltura at UC Merced

✓ Audio Transcripts
Provide text transcripts for podcasts and audio recordings to support students with hearing disabilities. Transcription Guidelines

Quick Tips for Accessible Design

  • Use high-contrast color combinations for text and backgrounds
  • Avoid time constraints when possible, or provide extensions
  • Structure content with clear headings and consistent navigation
  • Test with keyboard navigation to ensure all functions work without a mouse
  • Use plain language and avoid jargon or overly complex sentences

Accessibility Benefits Everyone

Accessible design benefits many groups beyond those with permanent disabilities:

  • Students with temporary injuries
  • Older individuals with changing abilities
  • People using mobile devices
  • Non-native English speakers
  • Anyone in a noisy environment who needs captions
  • Students with different learning preferences

Resources for Faculty

Campus Support

Need help with designing accessible course content and implementing UDL principles? Visit:

Student Accessibility Services is responsible for student accommodations. Visit:

Additional Resources

Remember that creating accessible content is an ongoing process rather than a one-time fix. Start with the highest-impact changes and continue to improve your materials over time. Your efforts make a significant difference in creating an inclusive learning environment at UC Merced.