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Bite-Sized Tips for Digital Accessibility at JMU

Posted March 3, 2026 in Educational Technology News, Instructional Design News, JMU Libraries News

image of a computer keyboard with accessibility-related icons on some of the keys

As part of JMU’s campus-wide digital accessibility efforts, the Libraries and our Digital Accessibility Ambassadors are working hard to support faculty in making course materials more accessible.

Whether you’re updating a syllabus, designing slides, or sharing resources online, these tips make it easier to build accessibility into your everyday teaching. 

If you’re not sure where to start, try these quick tips: 

1. Start with the highest-impact changes for accessibility

Are you wondering how to prioritize your digital accessibility efforts? Start with content used in your largest classes (or for your largest audiences). Focus on the accessibility of new files. Consider deleting or archiving files you no longer use. Check out JMU’s Getting Started Guide for Instructors for high-impact tips for PowerPoint, Word, and PDF files. 

2. Add alt text to images

Alt text is a short description of an image that explains its meaning and purpose. It helps people who are using assistive technologies and those in situations where images don’t load, such as on slow internet connections. Faculty can get help with alt text for images in Canvas by using the AI Alt Text Assistant feature in Ally, our accessibility checker integrated into Canvas.  

3. Caption videos

Have you ever wanted to watch a video in a public space, but forgot headphones? Thankfully, captions and transcripts can make a video more accessible for anyone who can’t hear it. Learn how to create captions and transcripts for the videos you use in your classes.   

4. Use heading formatting (Heading 1, 2, etc.) instead of bold text

Can you imagine if you couldn’t skim headings to see what was on a document or web page? People using screen readers can jump to a section of the page only if you use headings instead of bold text. This is why Ally may remind you to add headings to a document in your Canvas courses.   

5. Use descriptive text for hyperlinks

Meaningful hyperlink text describes exactly where a link will take the user. This helps people who skim or use screen readers to quickly identify links on a web page. Vague phrases like “read more” or “click here” don’t give details; descriptive hyperlink text like “get directions” makes the link destination clearer. A URL should not be displayed as the text of a hyperlink. See examples of meaningful, descriptive link text on this JMU page on creating accessible files in Microsoft Word.

6. Make tables accessible

Tables can create barriers for people using mobile devices or assistive technology, so try presenting your content using headings and text instead. If you need to use a table, follow JMU’s guide on how to properly format tables or watch this short video on how to make an accessible table in Microsoft Word. 

7. Use Microsoft’s Accessibility Checker

Want to quickly find and fix accessibility issues in your Microsoft Office files? Turn on Microsoft Accessibility Checker as you work or run it before sharing your documents. It helps you address issues like missing alt text or low contrast colors. The JMU Digital Accessibility Guide shows you how to use this helpful tool in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel!

8. Check color contrast 

Have you ever struggled to read text that blends into the background? Low‑contrast color combinations can create barriers for people with low vision or color‑vision differences. Use the WebAIM Contrast Checker to test your color choices. You can find more tips on choosing accessible color combinations in the JMU Digital Accessibility guide. 

9. Make PDFs accessible

It’s easier than ever to make PDFs accessible to all learners! A new feature within Anthology Ally allows faculty to apply quick fixes to PDFs right in Canvas. See this short video of Ally’s PDF Quick Fixes in action. Guides are also available to help you create accessible PDFs. 

10. Make class documents accessible with SensusAccess in Canvas

Wondering how to quickly and easily convert class documents into more accessible formats within Canvas? Now, faculty can use SensusAccess inside Canvas to do just that! Learn how to use this handy tool following these steps.

11. Check out JMU’s guides to digital accessibility

JMU’s digital accessibility fundamental guides continue to be updated with the latest advice on all these topics and more.

Questions? 

Submit your questions to JMU’s Digital Accessibility Technical Advice Team, or visit JMU’s Digital Accessibility page to learn more.

Originally posted December 17, 2025. Most recently updated March 3, 2026.