Most Accessible Question Types:
- Multiple Choice: Highly accessible with screen readers. Ensure answer choices are clearly labeled and distinct.
- True/False: Simple binary format works well with all assistive technologies.
- Multiple Answers: Similar to multiple choice but allows multiple selections. Clear instructions are essential.
- Fill in the Blank: Accessible when used with plain text. Avoid complex formatting or multiple blanks in one question.
Question Types Requiring Extra Care:
- Matching: Can be challenging with screen readers. Keep lists short and provide clear instructions.
- Ordering/Sequencing: May require keyboard navigation support. Test with screen readers before use.
- Hot Spot: Relies on visual clicking. Provide alternative assessment methods for visually impaired students.
Best Practice: Use a variety of accessible question types to assess different learning objectives while maintaining accessibility.
One of the biggest challenges in accessible assessments is providing meaningful alt text for images without inadvertently revealing the answer.
Strategies for Non-Revealing Alt Text:
- Describe Visual Elements, Not Interpretation: Focus on observable features rather than what they represent.
Example: Instead of "The answer is mitochondria," use "Diagram showing an oval-shaped organelle with folded inner membranes."
- Provide Equivalent Information: Give students with visual impairments the same information that sighted students receive.
Example: For a graph question, describe axes, data points, and trends without stating the conclusion.
- Use Neutral Language: Avoid words that suggest correct or incorrect answers.
- Consider Alternative Formats: For complex visual assessments, provide accommodated versions with text descriptions or verbal explanations.
Important: When visual analysis IS the learning objective, consider alternative assessment methods for students with visual impairments.
- Use Clear Headings: Structure quiz sections with proper heading hierarchy (H2, H3) for easy navigation.
- Write Clear Instructions: Place instructions before questions, not embedded within. Be explicit about how to answer.
- Avoid Time Pressure: Provide extended time or untimed options for students using screen readers (they require more time to navigate).
- One Question Per Page: This reduces cognitive load and makes navigation easier with assistive technology.
- Use Simple Language: Avoid unnecessary jargon unless it's part of the assessment objective.
- Color and Contrast: Never rely on color alone to convey information. Maintain proper contrast ratios (4.5:1 minimum).
- Tables: Use simple table structures with proper headers. Complex tables can confuse screen readers.
Built-in Canvas Tools:
- Accessibility Checker: Use the built-in accessibility checker in the Rich Content Editor before publishing.
- Equation Editor: Use Canvas's equation editor for mathematical content instead of image screenshots.
- Respondus: If using Respondus, ensure questions maintain accessibility standards during import.
- Quiz Statistics: Review quiz analytics to identify questions that may be problematic for all students.
- Student View: Always preview quizzes in Student View with a screen reader before releasing.
Accommodations Support:
- Use Canvas's built-in accommodation features for extended time and multiple attempts
- Create alternative versions for students requiring different formats
- Coordinate with your disability services office for specific student needs
Accessibility Testing Checklist:
- ✓ Run Canvas's built-in Accessibility Checker
- ✓ Navigate the entire quiz using only keyboard (Tab, Enter, Space, Arrow keys)
- ✓ Test with a screen reader (NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver)
- ✓ Check all images have appropriate alt text
- ✓ Verify color contrast meets WCAG standards
- ✓ Ensure all mathematical notation is accessible
- ✓ Confirm instructions are clear and unambiguous
- ✓ Preview in Student View before publishing
- Building Accessible Quizzes in Canvas - Illinois State University
Comprehensive guide for creating accessible quizzes in Canvas LMS
- Canvas Quizzes Documentation
Official Canvas documentation on quiz creation and best practices
- WCAG Testing and Evaluation Resources
Tools and techniques for evaluating web accessibility