Canvas Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)

1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A)

Canvas provides text alternatives to default non-text content, and provides the ability to attach text content to user-generated non-text content.

1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (Level A)

Canvas does not contain audio-only or video-only content by default. Users are responsible for accessibility of content they upload, and Canvas does support adding captions and transcripts.

1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (Level A)

Canvas does not contain audio or video by default. Users are responsible for accessibility of content they upload, and Canvas does support adding captions.

1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (Level A)

Canvas does not contain audio or video by default. Users are responsible for the accessibility of content they upload.  Canvas does not currently support multiple audio tracks, however, users can upload a second version of video content that provides audio descriptions or add text alternatives.

1.2.4 Captions (Live) (Level AA)

Canvas does not contain live audio or video functionality.

1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) (Level AA)

Canvas does not contain prerecorded video. Users are responsible for the accessibility of content they upload.  Canvas does not currently support multiple audio tracks, however, users can upload a second version of video content that provides audio descriptions.

1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A)

Most Canvas information, structure, and relationships can be programmatically determined or are available in text. Canvas currently has exceptions related to consistently conveying field validation.

1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (Level A)

Canvas maintains consistent structures allowing correct reading sequences to be programmatically determined.

1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (Level A)

Instructions for using Canvas do not rely on sensory characteristics.

1.3.4 Orientation (Level AA 2.1 only)

Canvas does not restrict usage to a single display orientation.

1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (Level AA 2.1 only)

Canvas input field purposes can be programmatically determined.

1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A)

Canvas does not convey information by color alone. Canvas provides an Underline Links feature option which provides enhanced link identification above and beyond this criteria.

1.4.2 Audio Control (Level A)

Supports

Canvas does not contain prerecorded audio, and user-generated content does not auto-play.

1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA)

Canvas provides a 3:1 contrast ratio by default and a 4.5:1 contrast ratio via the High Contrast UI feature option. This feature option overrides all custom styling, ensuring a compliant experience for all users.

1.4.4 Resize text (Level AA)

Canvas text can be resized to 200 percent without loss of content or functionality.

1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA)

Supports

Images of text are not provided by Canvas. Users are responsible for accessibility of content they upload, and Canvas provides the ability to associate alt text to user-generated images.

1.4.10 Reflow (Level AA 2.1 only)

Most Canvas pages can be presented at 320x256 resolution or viewport width of 1280 CSS pixels wide at 400% zoom without loss of information or functionality. Some exceptions exist on the People/Course Roster page and within New Quizzes.

1.4.11 Non-text Contrast (Level AA 2.1 only)

Canvas graphical objects and user interface elements meet or exceed minimum 3:1 contrast when the High Contrast UI feature option is enabled. This feature option overrides all custom styling, ensuring a compliant experience for all users.

1.4.12 Text Spacing (Level AA 2.1 only)

Canvas users can change text spacing without loss of content or functionality.

1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (Level AA 2.1 only)

Canvas content is dismissible via the escape key and persistent while hovered. A known issue currently exists in New Quizzes Rich Content Editor does not currently auto expand for screen reader users.

2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A)

Canvas functionality is keyboard-operable, including providing alternative keyboard-optimized interfaces for some features.

2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (Level A)

Canvas does not trap focus when navigated by keyboard.

2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts (Level A 2.1 only)

Canvas provides a Disable Keyboard Shortcuts feature option which disables character key shortcuts. In addition, most keyboard shortcuts for user interface components are only active when that component has focus.

2.2.1 Timing Adjustable (Level A)

Canvas does not time-out interface elements or content by default. Where time limits are user definable for content like quizzes, the time limits can be modified for specific users.

2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide (Level A)

Canvas generally does not contain moving, blinking, scrolling, or auto-updating content. Where this content does exist, such as the Celebration Animations feature, it can be disabled.

2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold (Level A)

Canvas does not contain any blinking content.

2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (Level A)

Canvas has “Skip to Content” links to allow users to easily bypass navigation elements that are repeated on multiple pages.

2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A)

Pages in Canvas have appropriate titles to describe their purpose.

2.4.3 Focus Order (Level A)

Navigating Canvas by keyboard or screen reader occurs in consistent and logical sequence, generally top-to-bottom and left-to-right. When used with languages with right-to-left writing, the Canvas navigation sequence is appropriately mirrored.

2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A)

The purpose of each link in Canvas is clearly identified by its text, supplemented with labels when necessary.

2.4.5 Multiple Ways (Level AA)

Canvas pages can be navigated in multiple ways, following consistent layouts in global and page navigation.

2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA)

Canvas pages contain a single H1 header describing the purpose of its content, and additional headers always follow single-steps and maintain logical structure.

2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA)

Focus is consistently visible throughout Canvas when navigated by keyboard.

2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (Level A 2.1 only)

Canvas does not require navigation by multipoint or path-based gestures.

2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation (Level A 2.1 only)

No actions in Canvas complete on mouse-down, and thus can be aborted by moving the mouse away from the button or target area before mouse-up.

2.5.3 Label in Name (Level A 2.1 only)

Canvas visible and accessible labels match, and any controls that use icons or symbols are given consistent accessible labels.

2.5.4 Motion Actuation (Level A 2.1 only)

Canvas does not contain any motion operations.

3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A)

All Canvas pages contain a defined language value.

3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA)

Supports

Multi-language content is not provided by Canvas. Users are responsible for accessibility of content they upload.  User-generated content can be supplemented with appropriate HTML language tags through the RCE HTML Editor.  

3.2.1 On Focus (Level A)

Moving focus when navigating Canvas never results in an action or change of context.

3.2.2 On Input (Level A)

Modifying input fields in Canvas does not automatically initiate any action or navigation.

3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (Level AA)

Canvas contains consistent navigation patterns across all pages and content.

3.2.4 Consistent Identification (Level AA)

Canvas components are labeled and behave consistently across the application.

3.3.1 Error Identification (Level A)

Most forms in Canvas are validated and errors are properly identified and described to the user. Some forms do not contain explicit field validation; form submission is disabled instead.

3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A)

Content in Canvas requiring user input contains appropriate labels.

3.3.3 Error Suggestion (Level AA)

When errors are encountered in Canvas, usually an announcement is made including suggestions for correcting the error. As noted in Criteria 3.3.1, there are currently some exceptions to consistent validation.

3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) (Level AA)

Supports

If a user can change or delete legal, financial, or test data, the changes or deletions can be reversed, verified, or confirmed.

4.1.1 Parsing (Level A)

Canvas is constructed to proper HTML 5 standards. 

4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A)

Canvas UI components generally use HTML and ARIA best practices. In some cases ARIA is used where standard HTML would be sufficient.

4.1.3 Status Messages (Level AA 2.1 only)

Updates to content, status changes, and notifications that display visually have corresponding audio announcements for screen readers.

Canvas has been optimized to work well with screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver.

Canvas supports screen magnification and browser-provided zoom functionality.

Canvas does not require color perception for operation.

Canvas does not use any audio for its default operation. Users can upload their own content and are responsible for ensuring the accessibility of the uploaded content.

Canvas does not use any audio for its default operation. Users can upload their own content and are responsible for ensuring the accessibility of the uploaded content.

Canvas does not require speech for operation.

Canvas does not require fine motor control or simultaneous actions. It is accessible via keyboard and touch devices.

Canvas does not require fine motor control or simultaneous actions. It is accessible via keyboard and touch devices.

Canvas supports adaptation of content by end users and provides an easy-to-use interface for users with cognitive or learning disabilities.

504.2 Content Creation or Editing (if not authoring tool, enter “not applicable”)

Supports

Canvas web application provides functionality for authors to create semantic content, such as headings, lists, add alt text to images

504.2.1 Preservation of Information Provided for Accessibility in Format Conversion

N/A

504.2.2 PDF Export

N/A

504.3 Prompts

Partially Supports

Canvas has a built in Accessibility Checker within the Rich Content Editor that prompts users of WCAG A/AA success criterion errors.  An exception exists within New Quizzes.  The New Quizzes Rich Content Editor does not currently have the built in Accessibility Checker integrated.

N/A

602.2 Accessibility and Compatibility Features

Supports

Canvas Community Documentation lists and explains accessibility features and compatibility with assistive technology.

602.3 Electronic Support Documentation

Partially Supports

Canvas documentation is hosted in the Canvas Community which is hosted on the Khoros Platform. Khoros WCAG 2.1 Statement

602.4 Alternate Formats for Non-Electronic Support Documentation

N/A

603.2 Information on Accessibility and Compatibility Features

Supports

Canvas Customer Support can provide information about accessibility features of the product.

603.3 Accommodation of Communication Needs

Partially Supports

Canvas allows institutions to determine the support route for their users, which can include direct support from Canvas Customer Support and/or their institution's helpdesk. For users whose institution utilizes Canvas Customer Support, customers can contact Canvas Customer Support via email, accessible chat services or phones. Hearing-impaired customers who wish to speak to a Canvas Customer Support representative may use a telecommunications relay service (TRS). Information about the TRS is available at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/trs.html, and a list of telephone numbers is available at https://www.fcc.gov/general/telecommunications-relay-services-directory.