When embedding media in Canvas, such as a YouTube video, the iframe tag is used by default. This creates a smaller window within the Canvas page to hold the media and allows it to be played directly in Canvas. There are some accessibility recommendations for adding media with an iframe. 

  • Add a descriptive title attribute to the iframe tag to help users to identify the content and distinguish it from other content on the page. 

  • Include a name attribute if using multiple iframes/embedded content in one page as it helps to differentiate the embedded content on the page.

  • Do not disable scrolling for iframes and frames.

  • Resize the iframe, where possible, to show as much content as possible but allow for resizing of the page. 

  • Include alternative text for the media for any user who may have turned off frames in their browser/ for browsers that may not support frames. 

  • Include a direct link to the resource so that it can be accessed and viewed outside of Canvas. 

Example:

<p>If you are having trouble viewing the content, please use the following link to access the content outside of Canvas: <a class="inline_disabled" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEn1ev2wGi8"> Go to TEL’s Training Video: Canvas Accessibility </a></p> 

<iframe title="TEL Training Video: Canvas Accessibility" name= "Canvas Accessibility" width="560" height="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hEn1ev2wGi8?si=tCkdlqndIHH8J3yH" ></iframe>

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Please note: When adding a document to Canvas (PDF, Word, Excel), Canvas will show the file embedded within a Canvas page by default. The file will also be available as a link for any students who may have difficulty viewing the embedded document.