Making Blackboard accessible with Ally

Blackboard Learn is developed against the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to ensure its compatibility with the latest versions of assistive technology including screen readers such as JAWS and VoiceOver.

In addition, Blackboard provide Ally, an extension Ultra that creates alternative and accessible versions of many text-based Course content items.

For example, it can provide content items as HTML for improved reading on mobile devices, electronic Braille files for use with braille displays for the visually impaired, and MP3 audio files for learning on the go.

Available Alternative Formats

 

You can download the alternative formats anywhere you see Ally's alternative formats download icon:

For the following text-based content file types:

• PDF files

• Microsoft Word files

• Microsoft PowerPoint files

• OpenOffice/LibreOffice files

• Uploaded HTML files

 

Ally can generate these alternative formats:

• Tagged PDF (currently for Word, PowerPoint and OpenOffice/LibreOffice files) – structured PDFs for improved use with assistive technology.

• Mobile-friendly HTML.

• ePub – for reading as an e-book on an mobile device or other e-book reader.

• Electronic Braille – BRF version for electronic braille displays.

• MP3 Audio version for listening.

• BeeLine Reader – enhanced version that uses an ‘eye-guiding colour gradient’ for easier and faster on-screen reading.

• Immersive Reader - for help with comprehension and grammar.

 

Downloading Alternative Formats

To download the Ally Alternative format version of your learning content:

1. Roll your mouse pointer over the content item and select the Ally alternative formats download icon: 

2. The Download alternative formats pop-up window will open:
   
   

3. Choose the alternative format you wish to download, by selecting the radio button next to it. In the example below, the Audio (MP3) format has been selected:

4. Then select the Download button at the bottom:

If this is the first time the alternative format has been requested, Ally will need to prepare the file for download:

 

For large, or complex files, the file preparation process can take several minutes to complete. You can continue to use Blackboard Learn by closing the Download alternative Formats window. You can then return to the alternative formats by selecting the Ally alternative formats download icon again

(when the file preparation is complete).

Note: Alternative format files are removed from Ally after 30 days. A new request for the file (after 30 days) will regenerate the alternative format file.