Brightspace (D2L) Accessibility Checklist

Design courses that work for everyone from the start, rather than retrofitting accommodations. UDL principles benefit all students:

• Multiple means of engagement: Offer choices in how students interact
• Multiple means of representation: Present content in different formats
• Multiple means of expression: Allow varied ways to demonstrate learning

• Module structure: Organize content into logical weekly or topic-based modules
• Consistent naming: Use the same naming pattern (e.g., "Week 1: Introduction" not "Intro" then "Module Two")
• Clear instructions: Start each module with an overview of objectives and activities

• Use Content modules rather than just posting files in Dropbox
• Add descriptions to each content item
• Use the "Add dates to Calendar" option for consistency
• Set release conditions thoughtfully (they can confuse students if overused)

• Use descriptive titles: "Submit Assignment 3: Research Paper" not "Submit here"
• Avoid abbreviations that may confuse students
• Keep navigation bar items to essential tools

When creating content directly in Brightspace:

1. Use heading structure: Format section titles using Heading 2, Heading 3 buttons (not just bold)
2. Add alt text: When inserting images, fill in the "Alternative Text" field
3. Create accessible tables: Use the Table button and check "Header Row"
4. Use lists: Use bulleted/numbered list buttons instead of manual dashes
5. Meaningful links: Highlight descriptive text before inserting links

• Ensure documents are accessible before uploading (see Word/PowerPoint guide)
• Prefer HTML content over PDF when possible
• If uploading PDFs, ensure they are tagged (not scanned images)
• Provide alternative formats when requested

Brightspace includes a built-in accessibility checker:

1. In the HTML Editor, click the Accessibility Checker icon (checkmark in circle)
2. Review and fix identified issues
3. Re-run until no errors remain

• All videos must have captions – This is both UA policy and Title II requirement
• Auto-generated captions require review and editing (typically 80-90% accurate)
• Captions must be synchronized, accurate, and complete

1. Upload or record videos in Panopto
2. Enable automatic captioning in settings
3. Edit captions using Panopto's caption editor
4. Embed videos in Brightspace using the Panopto integration

• Check if accurate captions exist before using
• If using your own YouTube videos, edit auto-captions
• If captions are poor, consider downloading and adding to Panopto

• Provide transcripts for podcasts and audio recordings
• Include speaker identification in transcripts
• Note significant non-speech sounds (e.g., [applause], [music])

• Write clear, step-by-step instructions
• Specify format requirements and file types accepted
• Include due date, time, and time zone
• Explain grading criteria (use rubrics when possible)

• Provide adequate time: Consider that some students read more slowly
• Use Special Access: Set extended time for students with accommodations
• Avoid time pressure: When possible, avoid timed quizzes
• Question design:
  • Add alt text to images in questions
  • Avoid "all of the above" and "none of the above"
  • Write clear, unambiguous question stems
  • Randomize answer order rather than question order when possible

1. Go to Quizzes → select quiz → Restrictions tab
2. Click Add Users to Special Access
3. Select the student and set extended time or alternative dates
4. Coordinate with DRC for official accommodation letters

• check_box_outline_blank Course navigation is clear and consistent
• check_box_outline_blank Syllabus includes accessibility statement and DRC contact
• check_box_outline_blank All documents are accessible (Word, PowerPoint, PDF)
• check_box_outline_blank Videos have accurate captions
• check_box_outline_blank Third-party tools evaluated for accessibility

• check_box_outline_blank Content pages use proper headings
• check_box_outline_blank Images have alt text
• check_box_outline_blank Links are descriptive
• check_box_outline_blank Assignment instructions are clear and complete
• check_box_outline_blank Accommodations set up for students who need them

• check_box_outline_blank Respond to accessibility requests promptly
• check_box_outline_blank Check that new content is accessible before posting
• check_box_outline_blank Caption any new videos
• check_box_outline_blank Update accommodations as needed

University Center for Assessment, Teaching and Technology provides instructional design support.

For student accommodation questions and coordination.

520-621-1242

For technical accessibility questions and consultations.

For Brightspace technical issues.