Blackboard Ally
Blackboard Ally is a tool that helps improve the accessibility of course content. It is integrated with eLearning, which is UTD’s Learning Management System (LMS). The tool is designed and developed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 > Level AA, and Section 508 standards. A third party regularly audits the software to ensure quality standards are maintained.
What does Ally do?
For Instructors:
- It checks new and existing course content for accessibility, and assigns accessibility scores for review.
- It provides detailed feedback to help fix identified accessibility issues in course content.
- It provides a course accessibility report to check accessibility at the course level.
For Students:
- It generates alternative formats for course files, to enable students to download files in formats best suited to their needs. While instructors work on improving files, students are still able to access these Ally-generated alternative formats.
Instructor Resources
- Ally for instructors(1:28 min video overview)
- ETS conducts 1-hour training workshops on Ally for instructors. Registration information can be found on this page.
- A pre-recorded Ally training workshop conducted by ETS is available in two parts:
- Blackboard Ally Part 1 – Overview (~ 30 mins)
- Blackboard Ally Part 2 -Demo (~ 30 mins)
- The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) hosted an hour-long joint session with ETS titled “Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Blackboard Ally” on April 12, 2022. The session recording can be found here.
- ETS webpage on accessibility resources in distance education
- Ally-related FAQs for Instructors
- For support with Ally, faculty can contact ETS through the channels listed on this page.
Student Resources
- Ally for students(~ 1 min video)
- How to choose alternate formats for course files(~ 1 min video)
- ETS webpage on student tutorials
- For support with Ally, students can contact eLearning’s 24/7 Helpdesk.