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  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  2. Educational Development
  3. Introducing Blackboard Ally

Introducing Blackboard Ally

Blackboard Ally is here for all courses.

What is Ally?

Blackboard Ally is a course accessibility tool with multiple features that can help instructors, students, and the institution. It provides automated alternative file formats,  feedback, and accessibility reports.

Overview for Instructors of Ally for Learning Management Systems

How does Ally help? Alternative Formats.

Ally does a lot of work for instructors and students out of the box by providing alternative formats for all uploaded content. This enables students to access course content in ways that are more meaningful to them.

Ally Alternative Formats Selection Menu. It gives the options to pick several formats.
Ally for Students in Blackboard

Learn More About the Alternative Formats

How Does Ally Help? Feedback and Reports.

Ally also scores course content against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Once scored, instructors can receive feedback and tips on how to improve course content for accessibility.
Ally Feedback Report for Instructors

Instructors also get access to a course report that breaks down accessibility issues.

Screenshot of the Ally Course Report. It numbers the total documents, issues, and total score for the course.

How can Ally help a program?

Program leaders may be interested in combined accessibility scores for their departments. Program leaders can learn what type of accessibility issues affect their content, which courses need the most help, and more.

If you’d like to look at your program’s current score please contact us at BlackboardHelp@uams.edu.

Can I see a demonstration?

Yes! Please check out our eLearning Training Sessions page for upcoming sessions or request a custom time to see this tool.

How can I get started?

Please see our Ally How-To page for more information and resources. If you’d like to turn this tool on for older courses please contact us at BlackboardHelp@uams.edu.

Additional Resources

Ally Help for Instructors

Ally Quick Start Guide for Instructors

Posted by Jake Martar, M.Ed on May 3, 2021

Filed Under: eLearning

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