Blackboard Ultra (Faculty) - Accessibility/Ally: File Accessibility
Understanding File Accessibility with Ally
Blackboard Ally automatically evaluates the accessibility of files uploaded to your Blackboard Ultra course. It provides instructors with feedback on accessibility issues and guidance on how to improve them.
Accessing the Ally Accessibility Report
- Navigate to your Blackboard Ultra course.
- Locate the file you want to check.
- Click the accessibility indicator icon next to the file. This icon will vary depending on the file's accessibility score.
The Ally accessibility report will open, providing an overview of the file's accessibility and guidance on how to fix identified issues.
Interpreting the Accessibility Indicator
The accessibility indicator provides a quick visual representation of the file's accessibility.
- Green: The file is considered accessible.
- Orange: The file has some accessibility issues that should be addressed.
- Red: The file has significant accessibility issues that need immediate attention.
Improving File Accessibility
The Ally accessibility report will provide specific recommendations for improving the file's accessibility. Common issues and solutions include:
Missing Alternative Text for Images
Description: Images should have alternative text (alt text) that describes the image for users who cannot see it.
Solution: Add descriptive alt text to all images within the file.
- Open the file in its original program (e.g., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint).
- Right-click on the image and select "Format Picture" or a similar option.
- Locate the "Alt Text" or "Description" field.
- Enter a concise and descriptive alt text for the image.
- Save the file and re-upload it to Blackboard.
Lack of Document Structure
Description: Documents should use headings, lists, and other structural elements to make them easier to navigate.
Solution: Use proper headings and lists within the document.
- Open the file in its original program.
- Use the built-in heading styles (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2) to structure the document.
- Use bulleted or numbered lists for related items or sequential steps.
- Save the file and re-upload it to Blackboard.
Poor Color Contrast
Description: Text and background colors should have sufficient contrast to be readable by users with visual impairments.
Solution: Choose color combinations with adequate contrast.
- Use a color contrast checker tool (search online for "color contrast checker") to evaluate the contrast between text and background colors.
- Adjust the colors as needed to meet accessibility guidelines.
- Save the file and re-upload it to Blackboard.
Generating Alternative Formats
Ally also allows students to download alternative formats of your files, such as audio, ePub, and tagged PDF. These alternative formats can be helpful for students with disabilities or those who prefer to consume content in different ways.
- Click the download icon next to the file.
- Select the desired alternative format from the list.
Need Additional Support?
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk:
- Call: (618) 650-5500
- Email: help@siue.edu
- Visit: Lovejoy Library Room 0005 during regular business hours.
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!