Description
This article explains how instructors can use the UDOIT Advantage tool in Canvas to identify and address accessibility issues throughout the course design process. UDOIT helps ensure your course meets accessibility standards, promotes inclusive learning, and supports proactive compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508.
What is UDOIT Advantage?
UDOIT (Universal Design Online Content Inspection Tool) Advantage scans your Canvas course content for common accessibility issues. It provides actionable guidance to correct issues directly within Canvas, helping instructors make materials more accessible to all students.
When to Use UDOIT
Use UDOIT Advantage at key points during course development:
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While designing new content (modules, pages, assignments)
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Before publishing a course for the semester
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As part of the course refresh or Quality Matters alignment
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During mid-semester updates or instructional reviews
Tip: Building accessibility checks into your course development cycle reduces the need for time-consuming retroactive fixes.
How to Access UDOIT in Your Course
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Open your Canvas course.
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In the Course Navigation Menu, click UDOIT.
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The UDOIT dashboard will open with options to scan your course content.
Running a Course Scan
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On the UDOIT dashboard, click Run Scanner.
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UDOIT will scan the following areas:
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Pages
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Assignments
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Discussions
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Syllabi
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Module content
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Once the scan is complete, you'll receive a report of issues organized by severity and location.
Interpreting and Fixing Issues
- UDOIT provides:
- Issue Descriptions (e.g., missing alt text, insufficient heading structure, color contrast)
- Recommendations with explanations
- Fix It Now buttons for immediate corrections
Note: You can fix many issues in-line, without leaving the report.
Common fixable items:
- Add alternative text to images
- Adjust heading levels for structure
- Ensure descriptive link text
- Correct color contrast issues
- Remove or replace deprecated HTML tags
Best Practices
- Scan early and often: Run UDOIT regularly as you build new content.
- Start with high-impact items: Focus first on pages and assignments used frequently.
- Document progress: Keep notes or screenshots of resolved issues for instructional design support or accessibility audits.
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