You may have noticed new icons on some of your course content. These new icons are part of an accessibility tool called Ally that has been deployed on our Blackboard site. This tool focuses on helping you make new and existing content more accessible to students in Blackboard. Not all courses are expected to be perfect right away so there is no need to worry. Ally is here to assist you as we move forward with making courses as accessible as possible.
What is Ally?
Ally is an accessibility tool that automatically runs course materials through an accessibility checklist using a sophisticated algorithm. One of its functions is to generate alternative formats of course content that can work better with assistive technologies and methods such as screen readers, Braille, audio programs, ePub, and html.
Ally’s main objective is to assist students who have disabilities/accessibility issues, but can help all students. Course content with high accessibility ratings and alternate formats helps users who use assistive technologies. Click here for more information about SUNY and accessibility.
Ally can provide an institution-wide analysis of content accessibility. Please contact the Distance and Online Learning office for assistance with questions about campus policies regarding accessibility.
Ally Accessibility Ratings
As mentioned previously, you may have seen icons (gauges) next to some of your course content. These gauges are the accessibility score indicators, which range from Low to Perfect.
Low: File is not accessible and needs immediate attention.
Medium: File is somewhat accessible and could use improvement.
High: File is accessible but could be improved.
Perfect: File is accessible. No improvement needed.
Do not let the low score indicator (red gauge) scare you. Clicking on the icon gives you a list of reasons for the score. For files with Low to High scores, Ally shows you the issues and gives a step-by-step guide on how to fix them. If you are still unsure about how to fix the issues, please contact the Distance and Online Learning office for further assistance.
How to View Alternative Formats?
Instructors and students can view alternative formats by clicking on the button next to the item, which will open the alternative formats menu.
Additional Resources:
Visit Blackboard’s help site for more detailed information on Ally.
You can also visit Blackboard’s Instructor FAQs for Ally page.
If you need further assistance or have additional questions, please contact Distance and Online Learning at (518) 629-7070 or dlhelp@hvcc.edu.
Published: Tue, 13 Aug 2019 12:00:15 +0000 by s.chiera