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Overview

Ally accessibility reports are exported as CSV file. These CSV files provide detailed data about the items with issues on your site. But what does this data mean?

What does the number in the issue column headings mean?

The number in the column heading represents the severity level of the issue.

Months report

Rows are web pages or files across the site. Columns are general information, scores, and accessibility issues.

Domains report

Rows are domains. Columns are general information, scores, and accessibility issues.

Years report

Rows are web pages or files across the site. Columns are general information, scores, and accessibility issues.

Individual domain report

Rows are content items. Columns are general information, scores, and accessibility issues.

Accessible Content Is Better Content

Blackboard Ally helps institutions build a more inclusive learning environment and improve the student experience by helping them take clear control of course content with usability, accessibility and quality in mind.

Alternative Formats for All Learners

Improve the overall student experience with alternative formats that provide students with the choice and added flexibility that comes with a more personalized approach.

Institutional Reporting for the Bigger Picture

Automatically check for common accessibility issues and provide institution-wide reporting on the accessibility of your course content to efficiently prioritize your resources and tackle problems.

Instructor-Specific Feedback to Save Time & Resources

Automatically increase awareness and provide detailed insight and guidance to instructors on how to improve the accessibility of their content.

Supporting First-Gen Students through Inclusive Course Design

On this on-demand webinar, you'll learn about key tenets of inclusive design and accessibility and how they relate to the needs of first-generation learners. Dr. John Scott discusses course design strategies that foster a greater sense of inclusion and belonging that can help students find academic success.

What is an ally?

Ally creates alternative formats of your course content based on the original. These formats are made available with the original content so students can find everything in one convenient location.

How long does it take to see your accessibility score?

Typically, you should see your accessibility score within 15-90 seconds. This may take longer if your content is complex, or if you have a lot of course content and it is being assessed all at once.

Can you disable alternative formats?

The alternative formats are created for you. If you want, you can disable alternative formats for any individual content item for whatever reason. Select the Download Alternative formats icon anywhere you see it to see the different formats available and to disable them. More on alternative formats.

What is Blackboard Ally?

Blackboard Ally is an accessibility checker available in all Blackboard courses beginning Fall 2018 and all future semesters. Ally scans files uploaded to Blackboard, looking for common accessibility issues. Ally provides insight into the course's level of accessibility, and makes suggestions on how the content could be improved, if necessary. However, it's important to note that Ally and Blackboard don’t actually prevent any files that fail to meet accessibility standards from being uploaded; and Ally and Blackboard will not make changes or fix problems unless you take action.

What is a PDF in Blackboard?

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a favorite among us all because it makes a simple, compressed file that any of us can view on any computer or any device with a free PDF reader app. However, there are some best practices when it comes to using PDFs as course content. It is helpful to have the original version on-hand or download it from your Blackboard course. Coming soon will be the ability to revise the documents directly in the preview pane. Some things to keep in mind:

Why is a PDF inaccessible?

document that consists of scanned images of text is inherently inaccessible because the content of the document is a graphic representing the letters on the page, not searchable text. Assistive technology (such as screen readers) cannot read or extract the words in a graphical representation. Also, users cannot select or edit the text or manipulate the PDF for accessibility. Scanned images of text must be converted into searchable text using optical character recognition (OCR) before addressing accessibility in the document.

Does Ally support audio?

Ally currently does not support checking of videos, audio files , etc., but this feature is coming in future. We currently use Ensemble's Automatic Captioning for all videos uploaded to Ensemble. For more information about captioning videos and/or transcription of audio files,

What is a blackboard ally?

Blackboard Ally is a fantastic tool for students who use assistive technology, as well as students who may be wondering if they can benefit from accessing materials in a modified format. I hope that this post on using Blackboard Ally with low vision is helpful for others!

What is beeline reader?

Beeline Reader is a tool that adds color gradients to digital text to help students read more easily and focus on lines. Assignments opened in Beeline Reader will open in a new tab in the web browser, and users can choose between different color gradients so that they can scan text more easily without their eyes darting off the page. There is also a dark mode available, which is great for users who have trouble focusing their eyes at night.

What is Braille formatted file?

Braille Formatted Files, also known as electronic Braille, are digital forms of contracted or uncontracted Braille that can be printed on an embosser or read with a Braille reader or refreshable Braille display. Users can also get accessible books in this format. Since I am not a Braille reader, I have not personally tested this feature, though I have received positive feedback from other users who have worked with it- however, they did note that there were minor formatting issues and that they preferred to get materials from their college assistive technology office whenever possible.