Alternate Formats for Students

Accessibility means designing learning materials so all students can access and understand them, regardless of ability, disability, or learning style. This includes students who benefit from screen readers, audio content, translations, or simplified layouts.

What are ALT Formats?

Alternative formats (Alt Formats) are different ways to access the same course content to better support individual learning needs. These formats may include audio versions, text files, PDFs, immersive or gradient readers, language translations, and braille-ready formats. Alt formats help students who prefer listening, need translation, use assistive technology, or benefit from simplified layouts. By offering multiple format options, alt formats make course materials more flexible, accessible, and easier for all students to use.

How do I get to Alt Formats in Canvas?

In your Canvas course, select the Alt Formats icon (A) next to a file or page to open a list of available formats.

After selecting the icon, choose the Alt Format that best fits your learning needs.

What does each ALT Format provide?

1. Math Formats

   Math content is converted into accessible formats, so assistive technologies can read and interpret equations correctly.

   • Screen readers can read equations in a meaningful way.
   • Students can copy equations cleanly into notes or study tools.
   • Helpful for reading complex formulas on small screens.

2. Language Translations

   A translated version of the document in a different language is provided in this format.

   • Supports multilingual students.
   • Helps with understanding complex academic language.
   • Useful for quick meaning checks.

   Note: Translations may not always be accuarte for technical or legal terms.

3. Enhanced HTML

   The document is converted into a web-style format that is easier to navigate than a scanned PDF, making it more accessible, easier to read, and more user-friendly across different devices.

   • Resizes well on phones and tablets.
   • Improves navigation with headings.
   • Works better with screen readers.

4. Audio Podcast

   The content is converted into an audio format that supports auditory learning, helps students with dyslexia, ADHD, and vision challenges, and allows learning while multitasking.

5. EPUB

   The content is provided in an eBook format that allows students to adjust text size and spacing, making long readings more comfortable and supporting highlighting and note-taking.

6. Gradient Reader

   The reading view is designed to improve focus and visual comfort by reducing visual stress, enhancing concentration, and making dense text easier to read.

7. Immersive Reader

   Immersive Reader helps students by providing read-aloud support, a line focus feature for better concentration, and improved readability for those with dyslexia.

8. Text File

   This format works well with screen readers that are easy to copy and search. Text files offer a distraction-free reading experience.

9. PDF

   PDFs allow students to easily annotate and print documents while maintaining a stable layout for studying.

10. Source File

    Source files provide more customization options and better compatibility with accessibility tools, giving students flexibility in how they access content.

11. OCR Formats

    OCR formats make scanned PDFs readable and allow students to search and copy text from them.

12. Braille Formats

    Braille formats support braille readers and ensure equal access to content for all students.