Ally for Blackboard

Ally creates alternative files that are easier to use by all students. Ally works within your online course so it's available right where you need it.

Alternative files include readable text for screen readers, pictures with captions, and easy-to-navigate content. Ally creates multiple alternatives from the original documents in your course. You can download these alternative formats anywhere that files are used.

Using Ally to Check Accessibility

When you attach a file to Blackboard, one of four icons will appear near the download, indicating how accessible the file is. 

The colored gauges indicate how accessible your file is. 

• Red is a low score. The file is not accessible.

• Orange is a medium score. The file is somewhat accessible.

• Light green is a high score. The file is accessible, but could be improved.

• Dark green is a perfect score. The file is accessible with no improvement needed.

In the following example, a submitted Word document has a medium Ally score, as indicated by the orange gauge icon.

By clicking the orange gauge, Ally reveals the accessibility problems with the file, along with instructions to fix it.

For more information, visit the Ally for LMS Help for Instructors page on Blackboard's web site.