Creating Accessible Content in Brightspace

Relevant to: faculty

This article contains information considered accurate at the time of publication. Technology updates, changes in University security practices, and policy or procedure changes may affect the information in this article. Updates are scheduled periodically and will address any necessary changes.

What is this guide?

This guide outlines core accessibility practices for creating Brightspace content aligned with WCAG standards and SUNY Empire design expectations.

Example of editing toolbar in Brightspace

Accessibility practices in Brightspace

Accessibility Checker

Edit content > select the Accessibility Checker icon > review identified issues and apply fixes > save

Why: Catches common issues before content is published.

Bold

Open or edit a content item > highlight the text > select B from the editor toolbar > use only for short phrases or key terms

Why: Provides emphasis without replacing semantic structure or overwhelming readers or screen reader users.

Captions, Audio Description, and Transcripts

Ensure original videos have accurate captioning and that visual information is spoken aloud or described.

Audio-only content should be accompanied by an accessible written transcript.

See the following Knowledge Base Articles for additional information:

• Adding a YouTube Video to Learnscape
• Audio Description Guidelines
• Editing and Ordering Captions

Why: Captions ensure video content is perceivable for deaf and hard-of-hearing users and support comprehension for all learners. Transcripts offer access to deaf and hard-of-hearing users as well as flexible ways to engage with content. Audio descriptions provide narration of important visual elements that are not otherwise conveyed through dialogue or audio.

Color Contrast Check

Edit a content item > select the Accessibility Checker icon > review color contrast alerts > adjust the text or background colors as recommended.

If you install the WebAIM: Contrast Checker Bookmarklet you can run color checks quickly and easily. Follow the instructions on the page for quick installation and activation.

Why: Adequate contrast ensures readability for users with low vision or color vision deficiency. Important: Do not rely on color alone to convey meaning, such as using red to indicate important information.

Equation Editor

Edit content > Insert Equation > build the equation using the editor tools > save.

Why: Equations created with the editor are scalable and can be read by screen readers. Avoid inserting equations as images when possible.

Headings and Styles

Edit content > Place your cursor in the text > open the Paragraph dropdown > Start with Heading 2

Why: Headings provide semantic structure for screen readers and improve navigability for all users. The Brightspace web page title serves as the H1 so added content begins at the H2 level. Do not skip heading levels (e.g., H2 directly to H4).

Images

Select Insert Image > upload or select the image > enter meaningful and descriptive alt text.

Why: Alt text ensures non-visual users receive equivalent information. Please note: Mark decorative images such as page dividers or scrollwork as decorative rather than writing unnecessary alt text.

Links & Quicklinks

Links refer to internal or external links, but Quicklinks refer to links that are internal to Brightspace.

1. Highlight descriptive text > select the Insert Link icon to add or edit a link > paste the URL in the link field.
2. Choose Open in New Window if the content is external to Brightspace (website, library, or other external source).
3. Choose Open in Current Window if the content is internal to the course (course modules, rubrics, or other internal spaces).
4. Avoid repetitive naming (click here) in favor of clear, unique, descriptive naming of links that indicate what the link is connecting to.

Why: Descriptive links support screen-reader navigation and clarify purpose.

Lists

Select the text to be listed > choose Bullet List or Numbered List from the toolbar > nest items using the Increase Indent button if need be.

Why: Semantic lists communicate structure to assistive technology.

Tables

Click the Insert Table button > select the number of rows and columns needed by dragging your mouse across the grid > the empty table will now appear in the body. You can now fill out your information into the blank table.

Important: You need to make header rows.

1. Select the first row.
2. Click and drag to highlight all cells in the first row, or place your cursor in one of the cells.
3. Open Cell Properties.
4. Click inside a selected cell then select Cell > Properties in the table dropdown in the editor toolbar.
5. Change the cell type.
6. Look for Cell Type.
7. Change it from Cell to Header Cell.
8. Click the save button.
9. Apply this to all cells in the top row.

At that point the row becomes a true header row that screen readers can interpret.

Use simple tables whenever possible. Avoid merged cells or complex layouts because they reduce screen reader readability. Avoid merged cells where possible; avoid complex data tables.

Why: Properly structured tables allow screen readers to associate headers with the data in their corresponding cells.

Templates

Content > select the Upload/Create button > Create a File (Web Page) > Select a Document Template > replace the placeholder text with course/module specific content.

Why: Templates offer formatting with built-in accessibility and promote consistency across courses.

Creator+ Features

Content > Create a File or Edit an Existing Page > select the Creator+ Panel and insert accordions or interactive content blocks or timelines or tabs or hotspots.

Why: Creator+ features invite interactive and visually engaging content while maintaining accessibility. Important: Confirm accessibility support for each element with Instructional Designers before adoption.

Related articles

• Adding a YouTube Video to Learnscape
• Audio Description Guidelines
• Editing and Ordering Captions