Making Math Make Sense: A Quick Guide to Accessible Equations

Overview

In today’s digital learning environments, accessible math ensures that all learners, regardless of ability, can fully engage with mathematical concepts and content. Accessible online math goes beyond simply displaying equations; it incorporates clear design, readable notation, and compatible technologies that work with assistive tools such as screen readers and keyboard navigation.

Getting Started

When creating math content, the approach depends on the complexity of the equations. For simple equations like basic fractions, exponents, or linear expressions the built-in Canvas equation editor usually provides everything you need. It’s quick, supports basic math formatting, and is accessible when used correctly. However, for more complex equations involving advanced notation, matrices, calculus symbols, or multi-line expressions, you may need a specialized editor such as MathType, EquatIO, or LaTeX. These tools allow for precise formatting and accessibility features, such as generating MathML for screen readers. Choosing the right editor ensures your math content looks correct, remains accessible, and provides a smooth learning experience for all students.

Working with Math Equations in Canvas

Working with math in online environments can feel different at first, but today’s tools make it easier to display and share equations. Canvas learning platform includes a built-in equation editor that lets you create fractions, exponents, square roots, and symbols without needing special software.

When to use Canvas Equation Editor

• Simple fractions, powers, basic equations and nothing that requires custom symbols or environments (proofs, theorems, etc.)

• Intro algebra, geometry, or courses that use simple calculus notation

Things to keep in mind when using Canvas equation editor

• Accessible MathML is automatically generated

• Easy to click and insert using the equation editor window

• Equations are easily integrated into quizzes, pages or discussions

• Formatting is linear with limited control over alignment and spacing

• This editor can be very tedious for long derivations or nested expressions

Using LaTex/MathML inside LMS/DP pages

Canvas, like most learning management systems, uses MathJax to display equations.  This allows users to view math and science equations on the internet, without having to download any additional software.  For simple math and science equations MathJax can provide you accessible displayed content.  However, for more advanced math and science equations, you will want to use a LaTeX editor.  Especially when you are working with complex, multi-line equations, matrices, or piecewise functions. 
You do have the option to use LaTeX editing within your Canvas course pages, quizzes and assignments.  Using LaTeX will improve accessibility for many screen readers by creating image-based equations.  However, this is only for individual equations.  For entire documents with complex equations, you must convert the LaTeX file to an HTML file first and then paste it into Canvas's HTML editor.  Just note that even though you are doing everything correctly, some complex LaTeX formatting might not display properly. Using Canvas's equation editor is recommended as the most accessible method.

Important Things to Keep in Mind for Assessments, Quizzes, and Homework

Designing accessible math activities online means thinking carefully about how students see, hear, and interact with your content. Whether you’re building materials in Canvas, Möbius, or other digital tools, accessibility ensures every learner can participate fully and independently.  Here are ten important things to keep in mind for assessment, quizzes and homework

• Avoid images of equations. Always use a math editor that produces readable, selectable math (like MathML or LaTeX).

• Test with assistive technology (e.g., screen readers such as NVDA or JAWS) to confirm that equations are read correctly.

• Use tools like Canvas’s equation editor or MathType for proper formatting.

• Explain how students should enter answers (typed, written, uploaded, etc.).

• Support multiple response types: typed math, written work uploads, or oral explanations.

• Use descriptive labels (“Question 3: Simplify the expression”) rather than “Question 3: this one.”

• Organize questions in a logical order; use headings and spacing for clarity

• Make sure students can re-access feedback easily after submission.

• Ask for student feedback to identify barriers early.

• Collaborate with instructional designers or accessibility staff when in doubt.

Screen Reader Testing

Compatibility testing ensures that websites, apps or digital documents can be effectively understood and navigated by people who rely on screen readers.  The four main goals are that all content is not hidden or skipped, interactive elements are correctly labeled, reading and navigation order makes sense, and users can perform all actions, such as form submission or menu selection without sight.

Best Practices: How to Add an Equation

Canvas Page or Assignment:

Navigate to your Canvas course page or assignment, where you would like to add your equation. If it is a new page you want to create and work in, create the page first, then follow the steps outlined in the guide below.

Canvas Quiz or Test:

For now, you will want to use Classic Quizzes (Refer to this guide on how to create a classic quiz) to render your math equation, new quizzes are currently not accessible as they use LaTeX math notation that is not rendered via MathJax. This may change in the future as technology is constantly evolving. 

To add your equation, navigate to the quiz page where you would like to add your equation and follow the steps provided in the guide below.

Canvas Discussion:

To add an equation to your discussion page, follow the steps provided in the guide below.

Recommended Resources

A list of practical guides, accessibility standards, technical background, and tutorials.