Create clear, meaningful, and accessible links in your course.
Purpose of This Guide
This guide provides practical support for resolving link accessibility issues identified by UDOIT in Canvas.
If your UDOIT report flags problems such as vague link text, missing or unclear alternative text on linked images, adjacent duplicate links, or links without text, this resource will help you:
- Understand what the alert means
- Learn why the issue affects accessibility
- Apply clear, step-by-step fixes in Canvas
- Improve clarity and navigation throughout your course
Whether you are responding to a specific UDOIT alert or proactively reviewing your content, this guide will help you create links that are accessible, descriptive, and meaningful for all students.
Why This Matters for Students
Links are often how students move through your course and access essential materials.
Screen reader users frequently navigate by tabbing through links or reviewing a list of links on a page. If links say “click here” or “read more,” they become unclear and confusing outside their original context.
Clear link text improves:
- Navigation
- Comprehension
- Efficiency
- Overall usability
Descriptive links act as clear signposts. Vague links require students to guess.
Links Explained
A hyperlink, or link, connects one piece of content to another location, such as a webpage, file, Canvas page, or external resource.
Accessible links have two key components:
Descriptive link text
The visible words that students click or select should clearly describe the destination or action.
Alternative text for linked images
If an image functions as a link, its alternative text serves as the link label for screen reader users.
When links are written clearly and formatted properly, students can:
- Understand where a link leads before selecting it
- Navigate efficiently using assistive technology
- Move through course materials with confidence
Clear links improve both accessibility and overall usability.
Link Issues UDOIT May Identify
UDOIT may flag the following link accessibility issues:
- Linked image does not have descriptive alternative text
- Link has nondescript text
- Adjacent links found
- Link does not contain text
The section below explains what each alert means and how to resolve it in Canvas.
Issue-by-Issue Breakdown
Issue 1: Linked Image Does Not Have Descriptive Alternative Text
What UDOIT Is Flagging
An image that functions as a link does not include meaningful alternative text, or the alt text does not describe the link’s purpose.
Why This Matters
When an image acts as a link, screen readers announce the alternative text as the link label. If the alt text is missing or vague, users may not know where the link leads.
How to Fix It in Canvas
- Open the page in Edit mode.
- Select the linked image.
- Open Image Options.
- Add descriptive alternative text that reflects the destination or purpose of the link.
- Click Save.
Design Guidance
When an image functions as a link, write alternative text that describes the action or destination, not just the image itself.
For example, instead of “Library logo,” use “Go to the University Library website.”
Issue 2: Link Has Nondescript Text
What UDOIT Is Flagging
Link text is vague or generic, such as “click here,” “more,” or “this link.”
Why This Matters
Screen reader users may encounter links out of context. If the link text does not clearly describe its destination, it becomes difficult to understand.
How to Fix It in Canvas
- Open the page in Edit mode.
- Highlight the link text.
- Replace vague wording with descriptive text that clearly identifies the destination or action. The link text should make sense both in and out of context.
- Click Save.
Design Guidance
Write link text that makes sense on its own. If a student read only the link text without surrounding sentences, they should still understand where it leads. For example:
Instead of: “Click here for the syllabus.”
Use: “View the Course Syllabus.”
Issue 3: Adjacent Links Found
What UDOIT Is Flagging
Two or more links appear next to each other and lead to the same destination.
This may occur when an image and text beside it both link to the same URL.
Why This Matters
Screen readers may announce both links separately, creating redundancy and confusion.
How to Fix It in Canvas
- Open the page in Edit mode.
- Identify adjacent links pointing to the same destination.
- Remove one of the duplicate links, or combine the image and text into a single linked element.
- Click Save.
Design Guidance
If an image and text both serve as the same link, consider linking only the descriptive text and leaving the image unlinked, unless the image itself adds meaningful value as an interactive element.
Issue 4: Link Does Not Contain Text
What UDOIT Is Flagging
A link exists without visible or accessible text.
This may occur due to formatting errors or deleted content.
Why This Matters
Users may encounter an empty or unclear link, which can interrupt navigation and create confusion.
How to Fix It in Canvas
- Open the page in Edit mode.
- Locate the empty link.
- Add clear, descriptive link text or remove the link if it is unnecessary.
- Click Save.
Design Guidance
Every link must clearly communicate its purpose. A link that does not provide meaningful direction or action creates confusion and should be removed.
Note on APA and MLA Formatting
In some cases, full URLs may appear in APA or MLA formatted reference lists. When a citation style requires displaying the full hyperlink, the URL itself serves as the reference information and does not need to be rewritten as descriptive link text.
However, when linking within the body of your course content, use descriptive link text rather than pasting the full URL. For example:
Instead of:
This approach maintains citation integrity while improving readability and accessibility throughout the rest of your course.
Workflow Strategy
If your UDOIT report shows multiple link alerts, begin with pages that:
- Contain lists of resources or readings
- Include multiple external websites
- Use images as navigation elements
Address nondescript link text first, as these are often quick to correct and have an immediate impact.
Next, review linked images and ensure their alternative text reflects the purpose of the link.
When possible, review full pages in Canvas rather than resolving alerts one at a time in the UDOIT report. This approach helps you maintain consistency and identify patterns.
After making updates, tab through the page using your keyboard to confirm that links are clear and meaningful when read in sequence.
