Built-In Accessibility Tools You Can Use Today
FSCJ has launched a collegewide Accessibility Compliance Initiative in response to new ADA guidance requiring public institutions to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards for digital content by April 2026. While the long-term goal is to build a consistent, accessible experience for all users, you don’t need to wait for new tools or formal training to start making progress. Many of the systems and applications we already use include built-in accessibility checkers that are quick to access and easy to use. Below, you’ll find some of the most common ways to check your content’s accessibility.
As part of our Accessibility Compliance Initiative, we’ll be offering more guidance, trainings, and tools over the coming months. But for now, these checkers are a great place to begin.
Canvas Accessibility Checker example image
Canvas Accessibility Checker
Each time you add content in the Canvas Rich Content Editor (RCE) of Canvas, you’ll see a small icon at the bottom that looks like a stick figure in a circle. That’s your Canvas Accessibility Checker.
It checks for common accessibility issues like:
Missing alt text
Poor color contrast
Table headers
Proper list structure
When it identifies an accessibility issue, it will display the issue and an explanation of why it needs to be edited and how to fix it. Often, the issue can be fixed right there within the RCE.
Simple Syllabus Accessibility Checker example image
Simple Syllabus Accessibility Checker
As you edit your syllabus, Simple Syllabus automatically reviews your content for accessibility issues. Before you submit, take a peek down at the accessibility checker icon to see if there are any flags on the Simple Syllabus Accessibility Checker that need to be addressed.
It checks for common accessibility issues like:
Unformatted lists
Table captions
Sequential headings
Table headers
Color contrast
Image alt text
Empty headings
Heading max length (< 120 characters)
Microsoft Accessibility Checker (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)
Microsoft 365 apps like Word, PowerPoint, and even Outlook have a built-in Accessibility Checker that you can run anytime.
To Check Accessibility in Outlook
Desktop Version
Open and compose your email
From the top menu, click Edit
Select Check Accessibility
Browser Version
Open and compose your email
From the top menu, click Options
Select the green person icon to run the accessibility checker
To Check Accessibility in Word
Desktop Version
Open and create your document
From the top menu, click Tools
Select Check Accessibility
Browser Version
Open and create your document
From the top menu, click Review
Select Check Accessibility
To Check Accessibility in PowerPoint
Desktop Version
Open and compose your presentation
From the top menu, click Tools
Select Check Accessibility
Browser Version
Open and create your presentation
From the top menu, click Review
Select Check Accessibility
