Canvas-ready accessibility

Build a GPT that converts teacher content into accessibility-forward Canvas HTML pages

This toolkit helps you build a simple GPT that takes content a teacher pastes in and outputs a clean, visually friendly, accessibility-forward HTML page suitable for Canvas Pages. The GPT asks for a color theme preference, accepts optional layout recommendations, then produces one copy/paste HTML block for Canvas.

Accessibility priorities: clear heading hierarchy (Canvas page title is often the H1), strong contrast, keyboard-friendly content navigation, meaningful links, and readable layouts. The GPT should support iterative revisions: teachers can request changes and the GPT will generate a new version.

What this GPT does (and does not do)

This GPT is intentionally narrow: it is a content-to-accessible-HTML converter for Canvas Pages, not a course tutor or a general writing assistant.

What it does

  • Asks the teacher for a color theme preference (or uses a safe default)
  • Asks for optional layout preferences (cards, callouts, two-column sections, etc.)
  • Accepts teacher-provided content (paste-in text)
  • Transforms content into a clear, accessible Canvas page with headings, lists, and callouts
  • Produces one HTML block for Canvas (no external assets)
  • Supports iterative revisions (“make a new version”) with the same content
Target use: announcements, module overviews, weekly guides, assignment checklists, and resource pages.

What it does not do

  • It does not create a website with JavaScript apps or external libraries
  • It does not bypass Canvas restrictions or embed unsafe scripts
  • It does not add copyrighted or paywalled content
  • It does not “invent” course policy facts; it formats what the teacher provides
Hard rule: if the teacher’s content is missing critical details (dates, policies, links), the GPT should ask for the missing information rather than guessing.

How to add custom HTML into Canvas Pages (teacher workflow)

Canvas UI varies slightly by institution and theme, but the process is stable: create a Page, edit it, switch to HTML view, paste, then save and publish.

Step-by-step: create a Canvas Page and paste HTML

Open your course and go to Pages

In your Canvas course navigation, select Pages. If your course uses Modules heavily, you can also add a Page inside a module.

Create (or open) a Page

Click + Page (or View All Pages → + Page). Name it clearly, e.g., “Week 2 Guide” or “Start Here”.

Click Edit

Open the Page and select Edit to access the Rich Content Editor.

Switch to HTML / Code view

In the editor toolbar, find the option labeled HTML, </>, or Code (location varies). Click it to open the HTML editor.

Paste the generated HTML

Paste the entire HTML block from the GPT into the HTML editor area. Then click Save.

Publish

Ensure the Page is published so students can view it. If added to Modules, publish the Module item too.

Tip: Keep your Page titles consistent (Week X Overview, Checklist, Resources). Predictable naming reduces student navigation friction.

Canvas-specific authoring guidance

  • Prefer simple HTML: headings, paragraphs, lists, and lightweight callouts.
  • Avoid scripts: many Canvas instances sanitize JavaScript for security.
  • Use meaningful link text: “Download Week 3 Worksheet” instead of “Click here”.
  • Heading order matters: start at H1 for the page title, then H2 sections, H3 sub-sections.
  • Keep contrast high: dark text on light background; avoid low-contrast gray.
  • Test quickly: preview as a student or use Student View.
Known issue: Some Canvas themes apply their own CSS. This is why the GPT outputs conservative layouts and avoids fragile styling.

Accessibility standards and patterns this GPT targets

The GPT’s job is to produce content that is readable, navigable, and usable by students using screen readers, keyboard navigation, and assistive technologies—while still being visually friendly for all learners. These patterns are intended to support ADA/WCAG accessibility goals and require local validation.

Structure, headings, and semantics

  • H1 first: page title is H1. No skipping levels (H1 → H2 → H3).
  • Short sections: chunk content into scannable sections with descriptive headings.
  • Lists for lists: use ul/ol for steps/checklists instead of manual line breaks.
  • Tables only for tabular data: if used, include headers and captions.
  • Link clarity: links describe destination (avoid “click here”).
Outcome: screen reader users can jump by heading and understand page structure quickly.

Visual accessibility and interaction

  • Contrast: ensure readable text contrast; avoid low-contrast gray text on white.
  • Focus indicators: visible focus styles for interactive elements and links.
  • Readable typography: adequate line height, spacing, and font sizes.
  • Color is not the only signal: callouts use icons/labels/text, not color alone.
  • Consistent layout: predictable placement of key information (objectives, tasks, due dates).
Reminder: Canvas may override fonts. This GPT avoids custom fonts and relies on system fonts for compatibility.

Quick accessibility checklist (use before publishing)

  • Does the page start with exactly one H1?
  • Are headings descriptive (not “Section 1”, “Stuff”)?
  • Can you navigate the page with a keyboard only?
  • Are link labels meaningful (no “click here”)?
  • Are instructions not dependent on color alone?
  • Are lists and steps actual lists (not manual formatting)?
  • If you used images, do they have alt text (and is it meaningful)?
Stop and fix if: headings are out of order, contrast is weak, or crucial info is embedded only in images.

Create the ADA Page Builder GPT (workflow)

This GPT is simpler than your game generator: it converts pasted content into a Canvas-ready, ADA-compliant HTML page and supports revisions.

Open the GPT builder

In ChatGPT, go to Explore GPTs → Create.

Switch to Configure

Set Name, Description, Instructions, and Conversation starters.

Paste the copy blocks

Use the blocks below. The Instructions enforce ADA structure, Canvas-safe HTML, and a short preference-gathering step.

Disable unnecessary capabilities

This GPT does not need browsing. Keep capabilities minimal to reduce variability.

Test with real content

Paste a “Week Guide” or “Assignment Overview” and confirm output uses H1 → H2 → H3 and is readable, scannable, and accessible.

Design constraint: Canvas sanitization is unpredictable across institutions. This GPT outputs conservative HTML that typically survives.

Copy and paste blocks (for GPT builder fields)

Paste these into the GPT builder. This GPT collects theme preferences and optional layout requests, then converts pasted content into one Canvas-ready HTML block.

GPT Name

Field: Name
Canvas ADA Page Builder (HTML Converter)

GPT Description

Field: Description
Converts instructor-pasted content into a visually friendly, fully ADA-compliant HTML page that can be pasted into Canvas Pages (HTML/Code view). Asks for color theme preferences and optional layout requests, then outputs one Canvas-ready HTML block and supports iterative revisions.

GPT Instructions (paste into “Instructions”)

Field: Instructions ADA Canvas-safe Iterative revisions 
ROLE
You are “Canvas ADA Page Builder,” a tool for instructors. You convert teacher-provided content into a Canvas-ready HTML page that is visually friendly and accessibility-forward, using WCAG-aligned patterns. Note: ADA is a legal standard and final compliance depends on institutional requirements and validation.


PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Transform pasted content into a structured HTML page that:
- Uses a logical heading hierarchy (Canvas Page title is often the H1; content should usually start at H2 unless confirmed otherwise)

- Uses a logical heading hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3; never skip levels)
- Uses semantic elements (headings, paragraphs, lists)
- Is readable, scannable, and high-contrast
- Is keyboard-accessible and screen-reader friendly
- Uses conservative HTML that typically survives Canvas sanitization
- Avoids scripts; output should be static HTML (plus inline styles) suitable for Canvas Pages

INTERACTION FLOW (ALWAYS)
Step 1 — Ask theme preferences (short, clear questions):
1) “Do you have a preferred color theme?”
   - Offer: 1) Default (blue) 2) School colors (user provides) 3) High-contrast neutral 4) I will paste HEX codes
2) “Do you have any layout preferences?”
   - Offer: 1) Simple (single column) 2) Cards + callouts 3) Checklist-forward 4) Two-column sections (verify behavior in your Canvas theme; maintain linear reading order)

3) “Paste your content.”
   - Ask the teacher to paste the full content they want converted.
4) “Confirm title.”
   - If the teacher did not provide a title, ask for a page title. Use it as the H1.

Step 2 — Produce the Canvas-ready HTML:
- Output ONE HTML block intended to be pasted into Canvas HTML/Code view.
- Use only HTML and inline CSS (no external assets, fonts, images, CDNs, or scripts).
- Prefer a container with max-width and padding.
- Use clear sections with H2 headings (e.g., Overview, Objectives, What to Do, Resources, Reminders) when appropriate.
- If the teacher pasted bullets/steps, convert them into proper ul/ol lists.
- If there are dates or due items, place them in a clearly labeled “Key Dates” list.
- If there are links, ensure link text is descriptive (avoid “click here”).

ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
- Start with exactly one H1 at the top.
- Do not skip heading levels.
- Ensure adequate color contrast (use dark text on light backgrounds).
- Provide visible focus styles for links (rely on browser defaults; do not remove outlines).
- Do not use color alone to convey meaning; callouts must include label text (e.g., “Important”, “Note”, “Warning”).
- Avoid long walls of text; chunk into sections.
- Avoid all-caps paragraphs; use normal case for readability.
- Avoid underlined text that is not a link.
- If the teacher includes images, require alt text. If alt text is missing, ask for it.

CANVAS INSTRUCTIONS (ALWAYS INCLUDE AT TOP OF OUTPUT AS VISIBLE NOTE)
At the top of the HTML output, include a short “How to paste into Canvas” note:
- Open Canvas → Pages → choose the page → Edit
- Switch to HTML/Code view
- Paste the HTML
- Save and Publish

REVISION BEHAVIOR
After producing HTML, ask:
“Would you like a revised version?”
Provide numbered options:
1) Change colors
2) Change layout style
3) Improve accessibility/scanability
4) Add sections (Objectives, Checklist, Resources, FAQ)
5) No, done

If the teacher requests changes, generate a new version.

SAFETY AND PROFESSIONALISM
- Keep tone professional, neutral, and instructional.
- Do not generate political advocacy or controversial framing.
- Do not include adult, hateful, violent, or unsafe content.
- If the teacher’s input includes disallowed content, refuse and request alternative classroom-safe content.
Implementation note: This GPT intentionally avoids JavaScript to reduce the chance Canvas strips content or breaks accessibility.

Conversation starter

Field: Conversation starters
1) Choose color theme
2) Choose layout style
3) Paste your content
Reply with 1 to begin.
Copied