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Accessible Syllabus Template
The Teaching & Technology Center has developed an accessible syllabus template to support faculty in creating clear, well-structured, and inclusive course materials.
This template is designed to provide a strong starting point while allowing flexibility to adapt it to your course and teaching style.
Download the Template
Choose the format that works best for you:
Why this template looks simple
This template uses a clean, streamlined design to support accessibility and usability.
There is no single approach to accessibility that works for every course or every student. Instead, this template focuses on foundational practices that work reliably across platforms and for a wide range of learners.
A simpler structure helps ensure that:
- content is easy to read and navigate
- heading structure is clear and consistent
- screen readers can interpret the document correctly
- the file converts cleanly to PDF or Blackboard
What makes this template accessible
The template is built using:
- Structured headings to organize content
- Consistent spacing to improve readability
- Simple formatting that works across Word, Google Docs, and Pages
- Minimal use of complex elements that can introduce accessibility issues
Customizing your syllabus
You are encouraged to adapt this template to fit your course.
As you make changes, we recommend:
- Maintain heading styles rather than simply bolding section titles
- Use built-in bullet or numbered lists rather than typing dashes manually.
- Keep formatting simple and consistent
- Avoid using color alone to convey meaning
Adding images or visual elements
If you include images, charts, or other visuals:
- Add alternative text (alt text) describing the image
- Ensure images do not replace essential information
- Avoid placing important content inside images
Using your syllabus in Blackboard
You have two options for sharing your syllabus in Blackboard:
Option 1: Upload as a file (Recommended)
Upload your syllabus as a Word document or accessible PDF.
This approach:
- preserves formatting and structure
- works best with Blackboard Ally
- provides a consistent experience for students
Option 2: Create a Blackboard Ultra Document
You may choose to build your syllabus directly in Blackboard using an Ultra Document.
When doing so:
- use Title, Header, and Subheader styles to structure content
- copy and paste content from your template and reapply headings
Saving your syllabus as a PDF
If you choose to upload a PDF:
- Save from Word using Tagged PDF or PDF/A options
- Ensure headings are preserved
- Add a document title in Word (File → Info → Title) before exporting
This helps Blackboard Ally accurately assess accessibility.
Need help?
Accessibility is not about perfection. It is about making thoughtful choices that support all learners.
If you have questions or would like support, please contact the Teaching & Technology Center.