Blackboard Ultra (Faculty) - ACCESS Course Accessibility Checklist

ACCESS Course Accessibility Checklist

The ACCESS framework provides a guide for improving course accessibility in Blackboard Ultra. Ally reports and recommendations can help you address each point on this checklist.

A: Alternatives Provided

• Provide alternative text descriptions for all images and non-text elements. Use descriptive and concise language. Consider the context and purpose of the image.
• Include transcripts or captions for all audio and video content. Ensure transcripts are accurate and synchronized with the media.
• Offer alternative formats for documents. Blackboard Ally automatically provides alternative formats such as tagged PDF, HTML, electronic braille, and audio.

C: Clear Structure and Organization

• Use headings (H1-H6) to structure content logically. Headings provide a clear outline and aid navigation for screen reader users.
• Organize content into meaningful sections and modules. Group related materials together.
• Use lists (ordered and unordered) to present information clearly. Maintain consistent punctuation within lists.

C: Consistent Navigation

• Maintain a consistent navigation structure throughout the course. Use the same menu items and organization across all modules.
• Provide clear and descriptive link text. Avoid generic phrases like "Click here."
• Use breadcrumb navigation to show users their current location. This is a standard feature of Blackboard Ultra.

E: Easy to Understand Language

• Use plain language and avoid jargon. Define any technical terms.
• Write clear and concise sentences. Avoid overly complex sentence structures.
• Provide explanations and examples where needed. Support your explanations with real-world applications.

S: Sufficient Contrast

• Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors. Use a color contrast checker to verify accessibility.
• Avoid using color as the sole means of conveying information. Provide alternative cues, such as text labels or symbols.
• Choose legible fonts and font sizes. Avoid decorative fonts that are difficult to read.

S: Screen Reader Compatible

• Review course content with a screen reader to identify any accessibility issues. This helps to understand the user experience for visually impaired students.
• Ensure that all interactive elements are keyboard accessible. Users should be able to navigate and interact with all elements using the keyboard alone.
• Check that tables are properly structured with header rows. This allows screen readers to interpret the table data correctly.

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