Blackboard & Ally

Ally is an accessibility tool integrated with the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS). It helps improve the accessibility of course content by automatically creating alternative formats of documents, providing instructors with feedback on accessibility issues, and offering step-by-step guidance for making improvements.  Accessible Media encourages instructors to use Ally as a guide to improve accessibility and create more inclusive and accessible learning environments.  

Blackboard Inclusive Learning Experiences 

Ready to get started?  

Ally for LMS Help for Instructors - Use the Quick Start and other information to improve the accessibility of your course content.  

Blackboard Ultra Accessibility Overview - Learn about Ultra-specific accessibility information.

Formatting Content Items in the Blackboard Content Editor - YouTube 

Blackboard Ally Course Accessibility Report - Generate your own Course Accessibility Report to see issues in your class.

General Accessibility Information 

• Blackboard is structured in a way that is accessible to students using screen readers, allowing them to navigate the site using keyboard commands. Issues arise when the content added to Blackboard is not accessible. Use Ally to ensure uploaded content is accessible by striving for green gauges. 
• The accessibility of the Alternative Formats generated via Ally are only as good as the accessibility of the original content posted. Usable Alternative Format output is only successful when the Ally gauge is green.  
• Supplemental materials added to Blackboard or distributed in class must also be accessible. Just because it may not be mandatory to view or read does not mean it can be posted in an inaccessible format.