Canvas LMS
Accessibility & Language

Accessibility is very important to EDEI and we are working to make sure our education is accessible to all. This is one of the reasons we chose Canvas as our Learning Management System. Canvas provides several built‑in features designed to support learner needs and promote more beneficial access to course content. One key tool is the Microsoft Immersive Reader, available in all Canvas courses.

Accessibility Features Available to You in Canvas

Canvas is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports learners and educators with a wide range of needs and abilities. The platform includes the following accessibility features to help all students succeed:

For Dyslexia and Reading Challenges

• Dyslexia-friendly font option using OpenDyslexic, available in your Account Settings, designed to help increase readability for readers with dyslexia.
• Clear, simple language throughout course materials to reduce reading difficulty.

For Visual Access

• High contrast mode available under Account > Settings > Feature Options to improve visibility for learners with low vision or color blindness.
• Alternative text descriptions for images that screen readers can interpret and read aloud.
• Images can be marked as decorative when they don’t convey essential information.
• Font sizing that automatically scales with your browser settings and zoom preferences.
• Underlined links option to make navigation more visible throughout the platform.

For Audio and Video Content

• Transcripts and captions available for audio and video materials.
• Captions generated through Canvas Studio’s automatic caption tool and reviewed for accuracy.
• Downloadable transcripts for videos to support your learning style.

For Navigation and Interaction

• Full keyboard navigation throughout the platform so you can access all features without using a mouse.
• Keyboard-accessible forms, quizzes, and interactive elements.
• Screen reader compatibility, including access to annotations and comments with information about annotation type, author name, comments, and replies.
• Properly structured navigation with clear link text.

For Content Organization

• Properly formatted lists and headings that assistive technologies can recognize and interpret.
• Well-structured tables with clear headers to help you understand data.
• Color-independent design so content is not reliant on color alone to convey meaning.

For Multiple Languages

Canvas LMS is supported in 38+ languages to ensure you can engage in learning in the language that works best for you. Supported languages include Arabic, Catalan, Welsh, Danish, German, Greek, English, Persian, Finnish, French, Haitian, Hebrew, Hungarian, Armenian, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and Maori.

Canvas offers AI translation features for discussions and announcements in languages including Catalan, Chinese (simplified), Dutch, English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish

Right-to-left text layout is supported for languages such as Arabic and Hebrew

Browser Support

• Compatible with browser zoom: any changes to your browser’s text size or zoom level will automatically scale throughout Canvas.
• Full support for multiple screen readers and assistive technologies.

Additional Support

• Canvas is built using modern HTML and CSS technologies committed to W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative and Section 508 guidelines.

How to Enable These Features

Most accessibility features can be customized through your Account Settings. Simply click on your Account menu in the upper left corner and navigate to Settings to find options for dyslexia-friendly font, high contrast mode, underlined links, and other personalization options.