The Brightspace HTML Editor has a built in Accessibility Checker that makes it easier than ever to improve the accessibility of your content pages.
Why should you, as an instructor, use the Brightspace accessibility checker?
An accessible and well-structured Brightspace course helps lower the barriers that students may face when participating in education. This is not only important for students for whom digital accessibility is particularly essential, but it also contributes to a better educational experience for the entire group. The accessibility check helps instructors identify and correct invisible elements (“blind spots”) and assumptions early on, so that educational materials become more accessible, clearer, and more useful. In this way, the check contributes to both accessibility and the quality and effectiveness of education.
Run the Brightspace Accessibility Checker
The Accessibility Checker is available within the Brightspace 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. You will then see a number of suggestions for improvement.
Common improvements
Add alternative text to an image
Alternative text for images makes visual information accessible to students who use a screen reader or have difficulty perceiving images.
Improve contrast
Adequate contrast improves readability for students with visual impairments, but also helps everyone in situations with bright light or a small screen
Correct use of headings in a text (correct levels)
A well-structured heading hierarchy provides clarity and a logical organization, allowing students to navigate more quickly and better understand the content.
Correct use of lists
Proper use of lists makes information clearer and prevents important connections from being lost.
Create descriptive text for hyperlinks
Descriptive hyperlinks immediately show where a link leads, which enhances user-friendliness and independent navigation—including for students who use screen readers.
Format tables correctly
Properly formatted tables make complex information more accessible and easier to interpret for all students.
For more information, please read this article.