Emphasize Text Accessibly

Whenever possible, format your text to avoid distractions. Use consistent formatting and descriptive links that tell students where they're going to go. Reducing visual confusion also benefits people who are blind or have low vision.

To reduce visual confusion on a page...

• Avoid pasting in long URLs. These are visually confusing, and they are difficult for a screen readers to read.
• Make hyperlinks descriptive where possible. For example:
  • How do I create a hyperlink in Canvas's Rich Content Editor? Links to an external site.
  • Video Demo: Embedding Links in Descriptive Text Links to an external site.
• Avoid links like Click here that make little sense to people who are blind
• Limit the use of special formats like boldface, italics, and underline.
• If you choose special colors, choose dark ones that show up well against a white background.
  • Use Canvas's Accessibility Checker to check contrast in Canvas
  • Use WebAIM's color contrast checker Links to an external site. when outside of Canvas.
  • Video Demo: Using Accessible Formatting in Canvas Links to an external site.