Blackboard Ultra (All Users) - Accessibility/Ally: What is Ally and How to Download Alternative Content Formats

This article explains what Blackboard Ally is and how users can download alternative content formats from within Blackboard Ultra courses to improve accessibility and usability.

What is Blackboard Ally?

Blackboard Ally is a tool integrated into Blackboard Ultra that helps instructors make their course content more accessible. Ally automatically scans uploaded course materials and provides instructors with feedback on the accessibility of their content. Additionally, Ally generates alternative formats of course materials that students can download. These alternative formats are designed to be more accessible to students with disabilities, but they can also be useful for all students.

How to Download Alternative Formats

Ally provides alternative formats for files directly within Blackboard Ultra. Follow these steps to download an alternative format:

  1. Navigate to the course content where the file is located in Blackboard Ultra.
  2. Locate the file for which you want to download an alternative format.
  3. Click the Alternative Formats icon next to the file name. This icon looks like a black triangle with the white silhouette of a user (head and shoulders icon) overlay with a black down arrow on the right. 

    Next to a document there is a black triangle icon with a white user silhouette over it and a black arrow on the right.

  4. A pop-up window will appear, displaying the available alternative formats.
  5. Select the format you would like to download. Available formats may include:
    • Tagged PDF
    • HTML
    • ePub
    • Electronic Braille
    • Audio
    • BeeLine Reader
    • Immersive Reader
    • Translated Version
  6. Click the Download button next to the selected format.

    A list of alternative formats available appears when you click the Ally icon. Click the button(s) next to your preferred format(s), and then click the download button.

  7. The file will be downloaded to your computer.

Benefits of Using Alternative Formats

Downloading and using alternative formats can provide several benefits, including:

  • Improved readability on different devices
  • Enhanced navigation for screen reader users
  • Easier note-taking and highlighting
  • Customizable font sizes and colors
  • Audio versions for listening while commuting or multitasking

Need Additional Support?

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk:

This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!


Keywords:
Blackboard Ultra, Ally, Accessibility, Alternative Formats, Download, Accessible Content, Universal Design, Blackboard, Bb, Ultra, Accessibility 
Doc ID:
155468
Owned by:
Jeff P. in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Created:
2025-10-13
Updated:
2026-02-23
Sites:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville