The Accessibility Checker tool is available in most places where the system lets you edit and format text. When opened, it checks your HTML content for formatting issues that may make it more difficult for users to read or understand your content.

Where can I find the Accessibility Checker?

The Accessibility Checker is part of the HTML Editor interface, and as such, can be found in many places within eConestoga where you can edit text. Notable places where you can find the Checker include:

• Announcements
• HTML pages in content (created using "Create New" -> "Create a Page")
• Quiz questions
• Assignment and Discussion descriptions

Importantly, the checker cannot scan documents created outside of eConestoga. So, Word files, PDF files, and other files you create on your computer and upload into eConestoga can't be checked for accessibility issues with this tool.

How to check a page

The Accessibility Checker is accessed through a button in the HTML Editor interface:

When you click on the button, a small window will appear, and parts of your text may become highlighted. The window will start by identifying the first issue it found on the page; some issues can be automatically corrected within the window, while others will require you to fix them manually.

Problems that can be fixed within the tool

• Images must have a description, called "Alternative Text" or "Alt Text". If you have embedded an image without Alt Text, you can type a description into the proved box.
• Tables must have a title, called a Caption. A box is provided to enter one.
• Tables must have a defined Header row or column. The tool lets you pick which row or column in your table is the Header.
• Page headings should use formal Heading styles. If you have styled a heading by simply bolding it, the checker will let you change it to an actual Header 1, Header 2, etc.

Problems that must be fixed manually

• Lists must be formally defined. The system will identify if you have a block of text that looks like a list (because the lines start with sequential numbers, or have a text character acting as a bullet), but you will need to manually use the Numbered List or Bulleted List buttons in the editor to fix the problem.
• Text that has been given a colour must have enough contrast against the background to be legible. If you pick a light font colour against a white background, users will find it difficult to read. If the checker idenfifies a Contrast Ratio problem in your document, select the text and use the Font Colour button to manually set a darker colour.
• If you have two links immediately next to each other on the same line, users may have difficulty telling them apart. Manually add some non-link text or punctuation between the two links to separate them.