How do I create accessible links with UDOIT?

UDOIT can be used to scan and check for nondescript or missing link text that can make links inaccessible. Depending on where the link is found in a course, you may be able to update or add link text within UDOIT or you may need to edit the link directly in Canvas.

Note: If you added a web link (URL) in the Rich Content Editor by typing or pasting in its text without making it a clickable link, the URL will not be included in UDOIT scans.

Go to UDOIT.

Screenshot of link in menu.

Select UDOIT from the Course Navigation Menu.

Select the UFIXIT tab.

Screenshot of the location of the tab.

Select the UFIXIT tab near the top of the page.

Scan your content. (Optional)

Screenshot displaying information and options for scanning.

The first time UDOIT is selected from the Course Navigation Menu, it will automatically scan course content. After 24 hours, UDOIT will scan new (previously unscanned) content when accessed again from within the course. You can view when the course content was last scanned and manually start a scan for added or edited content if desired by:

  1. Reviewing the last scanned date.
  2. Selecting Scan Now.

Filter issues.

Screenshot outlining the Filter button in the UDOIT interface.

Select the Filter button to open the collapsible Filters menu.

Screenshot of the Filters menu.
  1. Scroll down on the Filters menu,
  2. Select Links from the Issue Types drop-down menu.

Review the filtered issues.

Screenshot example of filtered issues in a table.

A table will display with the following columns:

  1. Status: Icons indicating suggestions or errors as follows:
    • A blue italicized "i" - A suggestion that needs review
    • A red exclamation point in a circle - An error that needs to be resolved
  2. Title: The title of the item where an issue has been found.
  3. Type: The content type where the issue was found, for example, a Page or Module.
  4. Issue: A brief summary of the potential accessibility issue.
  5. Review: Button to open the UFIXIT interface for the corresponding issue.

Remediate issues.

UDOIT scans for links in:

  • Announcements
  • Assignments
  • Discussions
  • Modules
  • Pages
  • Syllabus
  • Content that was entered in the Quiz Instructions field for a Classic Quiz. Note: UDOIT scans do not include question and other text in Classic Quizzes and quizzes created using New Quizzes.

Links that were created using the Rich Content Editor, for example in Pages or Assignments, can be fixed within UDOIT. Links added as External URLs in Modules must be fixed by editing them directly in Canvas. Skip to the step to fix a module link in Canvas.

Note: If you added a web link (URL) in the Rich Content Editor by typing or pasting in its text without making it a clickable link, the URL will not be included in UDOIT scans.

Fix a link in UDOIT.

Screenshot example of the UFIXIT interface as described below.

A UFIXIT window will pop up to allow you to review and address the accessibility issue. In this window:

  1. Select the link to the right of Found in: to open a new browser tab or window displaying the potential accessibility issue within the course.
  2. Update the text in the New Link Text field or select the checkbox to delete the link. Tip: You can find more information about creating accessible link text in How can I make links accessible? (opens new window).
  3. Select the Save button when you have finished making changes.
  4. Alternatively, if you fixed the accessibility issue directly in another browser tab or window:
    • Select Manual Resolution.
    • Select the confirmation checkbox to indicate you fixed the issue.
  5. When you are finished making changes, select:
    • Close to close the window,
    • Previous Issue to navigate to the previous item in the issue list,
    • Or Next Issue to navigate to the next item in the issue list.

Skip to the step to rescan course files.

Fix a module link in Canvas.

Screenshot example of an issue in the UFIXIT interface with the location of the issue highlighted.

If the UFIXIT window displays module next to Found in, the link will need to be edited directly within the Modules tool by following the steps below.

Go to Modules.

Screenshot of the link's location.

Select Modules from the Course Navigation Menu.

Edit the External URL.

Screenshot example of an External URL in a module being edited.
  1. Select the More (three vertical dots) icon for the inaccessible link.
  2. Select Edit.

Revise the Title.

Screenshot of the Edit Item Details modal.
  1. Update the text in the Title field with unique and descriptive link text. Tip: You can find more information about creating accessible link text in How can I make links accessible? (opens new window).
  2. Select Update.

Rescan course files. (Optional)

Screenshot outlining the Scan Now button in UDOIT.

After revising content, you may select the Scan Now button in UDOIT to update the list of accessibility issues in the course.