Steps to Create Accessible Quizzes in Canvas

April 24, 2026 marks the federal deadline for digital accessibility under ADA Title II. At UC Davis, our commitment to accessibility will honor both the mandate and our Principles of Community as we remove barriers for all learners. Part of a series continuing from fall 2025, Quick Access this quarter will focus on improving accessibility in specific teaching and learning contexts. Find all the posts in this series by clicking the yellow Quick Access label at the end of the post.

For more on campus compliance with this law, see UC Davis Digital Accessibility Program Manager Brad Starkey-Owens’ conversation on digital accessibility with Dr. Andy Jones and check the campus Digital Accessibility site. Join the Digital Accessibility Program Manager for Digital Accessibility Q&A Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.

Creating accessible quizzes involves a few intentional steps that address a wide range of student access needs.

1. Draft the Quiz outside of Canvas First
   Creating the test in a document provides a backup, which can be used to generate alternative formats if needed and supports quick adjustments if accessibility changes are required. Use headings, lists, and clear structure in the document.
2. Write Clear Questions
   Use plain language and present one idea per question. Avoid references to visual layout such as “see above” or “on the right.”
3. Select Accessible Question Types
   Multiple choice, true or false, short answer, and essay questions are generally accessible. If needed due to an SDC accommodation request, you may need to provide an accessible alternative (e.g., a Word Doc) when using matching or ordering questions.
4. Build the Quiz Using the built-in Quizzes Tool
   Create the assessment using Canvas Classic Quizzes rather than uploading PDFs or scanned documents. Native Canvas content supports keyboard navigation and assistive technologies.
5. Add Alternate Text and Media Support
   Provide meaningful alternative text for images. Add captions or text alternatives for any audio or video included in questions or answers.

6. Manage Time and Attempts
   If needed due to an SDC accommodation request, use the Moderate This Quiz feature to manually set extended time or additional attempts for individual students. Time adjustments must be applied to every quiz.

   
7. Check Accessibility Before Publishing
   Run the Canvas Accessibility Checker for each question. If needed due to an SDC accommodation request, set Extended Times and Number of Attempts for student accommodations through quiz moderation, as mentioned in step 6.