Accessibility Within Canvas

Canvas includes tools that can help you read course materials, listen to text, and use captions. Choose a topic below to learn about the available options:

Need Help Accessing Course Content?

If you cannot access or use course materials, contact your instructor. If you need disability-related accommodations, contact the UNM Accessibility Resource Center. Your instructor and ARC can help identify appropriate support and accessible formats.

Ally: Alternative File Formats

Select the Alternative Formats icon ( Alternative Formats) next to a supported course file to see the formats available for download.

Depending on the file, options may include:

  • Tagged PDF for use with assistive technology.
  • HTML or ePub for reading on different devices.
  • Audio MP3 for listening to text.
  • Electronic braille for use with a braille reader.

For instructions, see Viewing Content – Alternative Formats. If an alternative format is difficult to use or contains errors, contact your instructor.

Ally Alternative Formats download menu

Pro Tip: Try Listening While You Read

If an audio format is available, try listening while reading the document, or use the audio to review material. Choose the format that works best for you.

Kaltura: Captions and Video Accessibility

Kaltura offers several options for accessing course videos. Available options depend on the video and player setup.

  • Closed captions: Display text for speech and other audio information when captions are available.
  • Transcripts: Read or refer back to the video's text when a transcript is provided.
  • Keyboard controls:Use your keyboard to control the Kaltura video player.
  • Screen reader support: Access player controls using your screen reader.

Automatically generated captions may contain errors. If captions are missing or inaccurate and prevent you from understanding the video, contact your instructor.

Pro Tip: Adjust Caption Appearance

When available, use the player's caption settings to adjust text size, colors, and other display options:

  1. Open the video and select the settings button.
  2. Expand Captions and select Advanced caption settings.
  3. Choose a preset style or select Edit custom captions.
  4. Close the settings panel and play the video to check your selection.

Your Own Videos

Videos you upload to Kaltura in Canvas are stored in My Media. To find them, log in to Canvas and select Account > My Media.

For recording and submission instructions, see Video Submissions.

My Media in the Canvas Account menu

Microsoft Immersive Reader

Microsoft Immersive Reader is available for certain types of Canvas content. It provides options to change how text appears and to listen to it read aloud.

  • Adjust font size, text spacing, and background contrast.
  • Use line focus to concentrate on a few lines at a time.
  • Listen to text read aloud.
  • Break words into syllables or highlight parts of speech.
  • Use a picture dictionary for supported words.
  • Translate text into supported languages.

Pro Tip: Explore Translation Options

Try translating a word or passage and listening to its pronunciation. If a translation makes course instructions unclear, check with your instructor.

Another Display Option

How do I enable the high contrast user interface as a student?