Using Canvas with JAWS

Navigating Canvas

Surveys of screen reader users show that the most common ways of getting information on a lengthy web page is via headings (68%), the Find feature (14%), reading through the page (8%), navigating through links (7%) or navigating through landmarks or regions (3%).

The most effective way of getting around Canvas using JAWS is via the use of regions. Regions identify the main sections or objects on a web page.

In JAWS, a list of regions can be accessed by pressing Ctrl + Insert + R. Alternatively, you can press R to move to the next Region and alt + R to move to the previous Region.

Dashboard Regions

After logging into Canvas, a home page, or Dashboard, is displayed with the following regions:

• A banner containing a skip to content link and global navigation region.
• The Main content of the page showing notices and links to your subjects.
• A Complementary section containing a to do list, calendar information and feedback.

Subject Regions

Within an individual subject the landmarks are:

• A banner containing a skip to content link and global navigation region.
• Breadcrumbs navigation.
• A Subject Navigation Menu containing links to subject specific content, such as modules, assignments and discussions. This menu is remains visible within subjects unless you click on the  'Grades' link, which hides the menu, or the 'Gradescope' link, which opens a page in a new menu.
• The Main content region of the page.
• A Complementary section containing a to do list, calendar information and Subject status.

Headings

In Canvas, headings are used within the Main content region and the Complementary region.

Example - Finding Subject Assignments

1. Login into Canvas.
2. Press CTRL+Insert+R to bring up a list of landmarks.
3. Select the Global Navigation region and press Enter.
4. Tab down the global navigation to the Subjects button and press Enter.
5. Tab down the Subjects dialog to your subject and press Enter.
6. Your subject will be displayed.
7. Press CTRL+Insert+R to bring up a list of landmarks.
8. Select Subjects Navigation Menu Navigation and press Enter.
9. Tab down the Subjects Navigation Menu to the Assignments button and press Enter.
10. A list of assignments for the subject will appear.