Canvas Catalog has reached full compliance with WCAG 2.2 at Level AA, the highest accessibility standard available. It is a direct response to the need for equal access in education and a critical step toward more inclusive learning environments.
This update comes as part of Instructure’s commitment to building more inclusive and accessible solutions, one that fosters greater opportunities for engagement for all learners.
What This Means
Every student, regardless of ability, can now browse, search, enroll, and engage with Catalog without barriers. This includes users who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or high-contrast settings. Catalog meets over 75 success criteria that address visual, motor, auditory, and cognitive needs.
There is no separate experience for users with disabilities. Everyone uses the same interface and completes the same tasks with the same ease.
Why It Matters for Institutions
- Risk Reduction
Legal actions against inaccessible websites are increasing in education. Catalog’s AA-level compliance helps your institution meet federal and international requirements, reducing legal exposure and the cost of retroactive fixes. - Increased Reach
Millions of potential learners depend on accessible tools. If they cannot complete a registration or access course details, they move on. Catalog now supports frictionless enrollment for everyone, which helps retain learners and reach new segments, including adult learners, professionals, and older students. - Lower Support Load
When platforms are not accessible, support teams spend time solving problems that should not exist. With Catalog, the user experience is predictable and self-sufficient, which cuts down on technical support and manual workarounds. - Brand Trust and Reputation
Saying you care about inclusion is one thing. Proving it with accessible public systems is another. When students, families, and partners see that your institution meets the highest standards, they understand that access and equity are real priorities.
Key Improvements
The following areas now meet or exceed AA requirements:
- Proper text contrast and zoom support
- Logical page structure and clear navigation
- Keyboard-only usability for all features
- Detailed feedback on input errors
- Auto-populated fields to reduce repetitive entry
- Consistent help and guidance throughout the process
- Accessible labels for every interactive element
