Auburn University, like all educational institutions in the U.S., must comply with laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that will have WCAG 2.1 requirements in April 2026. Our accessible course template helps meet these legal requirements by providing a Canvas course template promotes accessibility standards and provides a consistent, user-friendly experience for students.

Using an accessible template provides a consistent structure across courses, making it easier for students to find information and navigate content. It also streamlines course design for faculty, saving time and ensuring best practices are followed.

Auburn University values high-quality education and student success. Providing accessible courses aligns with the university’s mission to foster academic excellence and demonstrates a commitment to supporting all learners.

Importing the Accessible Template from Canvas Commons

This template is pedagogically informed and accessibility-focused, integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and best practices in online teaching. It includes access to AU-branded design elements, streamlined navigation, and hidden instructional notes that guide faculty on accessibility compliance (ADA, Section 508, WCAG 2.1) and course design strategies. These notes are visible only in edit mode and provide tips for creating accessible, mobile-friendly content. 

The template includes three modules: an Instructor-Only module with tutorials and checklists, a Course Orientation module for students, and a Content module for instructional materials that can be duplicated as needed.