Course Content Accessibility
Accessibility Is a Habit of Mind
Creating accessible course content is not just about meeting legal requirements. It is about adopting a mindset that anticipates barriers, values inclusion and designs for belonging. Small changes in how we build and share materials can make a profound difference in student access and success.
Faculty Learning and SAIL
CAFE supports your professional growth in accessibility through hands-on learning opportunities. Enroll in our asynchronous Canvas course, SAIL, or attend upcoming workshops to deepen your knowledge of accessible course design. Whether you are just getting started or ready to refine your approach, we will help you chart your course.
Supporting Accessible Inclusive Learning
ADA Title II and the New Interpretation
In 2025, the Department of Justice has issued regulations under ADA Title II, requiring public colleges and universities to ensure their digital programs and course materials meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. These rules apply to everything from syllabi to Canvas pages. This page offers a clear overview of the updated law and its implications for instructional materials.
ADA Title II and the DOJ Interpretation
ADA and Student Success
Accessible course design is not just a compliance issue. It is an educational one. When students cannot access your materials, they cannot succeed. Inclusive practices reduce barriers, improve retention and strengthen the learning experience for students with and without disabilities. Accessibility is essential for student equity and academic achievement.
Academic Technology
Academic Technology provides opportunities for professional development to University of Missouri System faculty through training sessions, bootcamps and workshops. You can view the event calendar and filter for Accessibility to view available sessions.
Resources for Accessible Course Design
This resource hub brings together practical guides, checklists and tools to help you make your course content accessible. Whether you are updating documents, fixing link text, adjusting color contrast or addressing specialized STEM content, you will find straightforward help here.
Resources for Accessible Course Design
Descriptive Links
Descriptive links help everyone know where they are going when they click a link. Instead of saying "click here," use meaningful link text that tells students what to expect. Clear, descriptive links improve navigation for screen reader users, support students scanning content quickly and make your materials more professional and accessible.
Color Contrast
Sufficient color contrast between text and background is one of the most impactful accessibility improvements you can make. Low contrast makes content difficult or impossible to read for students with low vision, color blindness or situational impairments like screen glare. WCAG 2.1 Level AA requires a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.