Blackboard Ally is a service that scans all uploaded files within a Canvas course (documents and images) and assigns an “accessibility score” based on how accessible the file is based on a number of criteria. Criteria include document structure, tagging, and order, alternate text for images, color contrast, and other parameters. This is then communicated back to instructors with feedback on how to improve the accessibility score of a file. Ally can also generate alternative formats of files, providing students multiple ways to access the content within a file, such as via HTML, audio, electronic braille, and other formats.
Ally Course Accessibility Report
Ally’s course accessibility report can be located on the navigation menu of your course and includes Overview and Content tabs so that you can get the big picture as well as specific details about the accessibility of your digital course content. Note: The Accessibility Report is not visible to students.
The Overview tab shows the accessibility score for the course, course content grouped by content type, and a list of all issues identified in the course
The Content tab shows you the content with accessibility issues.
Ally measures the accessibility of each file attached to your course and shows you at a glance how it scores. Scores range fromLowto Perfect. A higher score means fewer issues.
Low (0-33%): There are severe accessibility issues and needs immediate attention.
Medium (34-66%): The file is somewhat accessible and could use improvement.
High (67-99%): The file is accessible but could be improved.
Perfect (100%): The file is accessible. No improvement needed.
Severity Indicators
In addition to the accessibility score, Ally lists all issues in order of priority from severe to minor. Ally looks at the number of students impacted, how often the issue occurs, and the accessibility score to determine the priority.
Severe: These issues are the greatest risk to accessibility and require the most attention.
Major: These issues impact accessibility, and while not severe, require attention.
Minor: These issues should be considered for a better accessibility score.
Instructor Feedback
After scanning a file, Ally can provide detailed feedback regarding the current issues that the file has (missing document tags, no alternate text, etc.). Ally will also give step-by-step instructions on what a particular issue means and how to fix the issue, allowing instructors to take their files and improve their accessibility scores.
Alternative Formats
Ally allows students and instructors to download any file in a number of different formats, increasing the ways they can access the content of the file. Ally generates this file the first time it is requested and may take a few minutes to produce; subsequent requests will return a requested file automatically.
What Alternative Format Options Are Available?
Alternative formats may vary by file type, but some formats available include:
Tagged PDF – A structured PDF for improved use with assistive technologies.
HTML – For viewing in a browser and on a mobile device.
ePub – For reading as an eBook on an iPad or other e-reader device.
Electronic Braille – BRF version for consumption on electronic braille displays.
Audio – MP3 version for listening to a file.
BeeLine Reader – An enhanced version for easier and faster on-screen reading.
Immersive Reader – Read Aloud experience to aid reading comprehension. Online only.
However, a caveat is that the more accessible a file is, the better the output of the alternative format will be. Thus, a file with low accessibility rating will have a degraded alternative format as compared to a file with a higher accessibility rating.
Accessing Alternative Formats via the Files Section
In the Files section, click on the three-dot icon of the file you would like to download the alternative formats and choose Alternative formats.
Accessing Alternative Formats via a File Embedded in a Page
If the file is embedded in a page, the alternative formats can be downloaded by clicking on the Download icon next to the file name.
