File Download Workarounds

Preview in overlay or inline poses some accessibility issues; some of the issues appear minor or annoying. They are not entirely showstoppers since users using assistive technologies can figure out how to get around these issues. It is essential that they have options if they face problems with the previews.

Figure 1 Preview in Overlay

Figure 2 Preview in Inline

Download File Options

Downloading the files is the most accessible approach for users; they can view the documents outside the Canvas environment. The options to download are:

• Module Item as a Link
• Course Item as a Link

1.   Module Item as a Link

One of the options to download files is to have access to the link immediately at the top of the page is highly recommended. When the student activates the module item link within the module, it will display the download link at the top before the overlay preview opens.

Figure 3 Module item link within the module

Figure 4 Download link at the top of the page

2.   Course Item as a Link

The second option to download the document within the page is located after the file link; the download icon link will automatically appear.

Figure 5 Download icon link after the file link