How do I ensure my assignment and quiz workflow with an assessment platform is accessibility compliant?

To make your assignment and quiz workflow accessibility-compliant on an assessment platform, focus on three layers: content, platform configuration, and process.

1) Make the content accessible

• Use clear, plain language.
• Structure pages with proper headings, lists, and readable paragraphs.
• Add descriptive alternative text to images, charts, and diagrams.
• Avoid color-only instructions like “click the red button.”
• Ensure sufficient color contrast for text and UI elements.
• Use accessible math and science notation if needed.
• Provide captions and transcripts for audio/video.
• Make links descriptive, not generic like “click here.”
• If using tables, keep them simple and include headers.

2) Configure the assessment platform accessibly

• Enable keyboard-only navigation and test it end to end.
• Check that all interactive elements have visible focus states.
• Verify that quiz controls, timers, and submission buttons are screen-reader friendly.
• Avoid time limits unless they are pedagogically necessary; if used, allow extensions or accommodations.
• Ensure any question types you use are accessible:
  • multiple choice, short answer, and essay are usually easier to support
  • drag-and-drop, hotspot, and complex matching often need extra testing or alternatives
• Confirm file upload/download workflows are accessible.
• Make sure error messages are announced clearly and appear near the problem field.
• Test in high zoom and mobile/responsive views.

3) Build an accessible workflow

• Provide instructions in advance and in more than one format.
• Give students a practice quiz or sample assignment so they can test their setup.
• Allow reasonable accommodations for timing, format, and assistive technology.
• Avoid requiring students to use inaccessible third-party tools unless alternatives are available.
• Review auto-graded questions carefully for accessibility and fairness.
• Keep a process for students to report barriers and get help quickly.

4) Test against standards

Use a checklist based on:

• WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 AA
• If applicable, Section 508, ADA, or your local accessibility regulations

Test with:

• keyboard only
• a screen reader
• high contrast mode
• zoom up to 200% or 400%
• speech recognition if relevant

5) Create an internal review checklist

Before publishing an assessment, confirm:

• all images have alt text
• headings are logical
• color contrast passes
• no instruction depends on color alone
• all question types are accessible
• timed settings are justified and accommodation-ready
• feedback and error messages are clear
• the assessment works with keyboard and screen reader

6) Document accommodations

Maintain a simple accommodation process for:

• extended time
• alternative formats
• breaks
• assistive technology use
• reader/scribe support if needed

If you want, I can turn this into a one-page accessibility checklist for instructors or a step-by-step workflow for a specific platform like Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, or a custom assessment system.