Blackboard Ally is a key accessibility feature that can automatically create multiple versions of uploaded resources. These alternative formats can be downloaded, allowing everyone to view content in ways that suits their needs. This is essential for the following reasons:
Allows for Flexibility and Adaptability
Alternative formats offer flexibility to adapt content to various devices and assistive technologies, allowing access to materials in a manner most suitable for all situations.
Provides Accessibility for All
Alternative formats ensure that everyone can access course materials in a way that suits their access needs, whether due to disability, neurodiversity or other learning requirements.
Ally Alternative Formats
The Ally alternatives can include up to seven formats with multiple benefits:
- Tagged PDFs
Download a PDF with document structure and text recognition applied to be read across devices. Can open DOC or PPT files without Microsoft Office. - MP3 Audio
Download an audio version to listen to the resource on the move. - HTML
Download as a webpage to view on mobile devices and in a browser. - Beeline Reader
Provides colour overlays through webpage to enable easier and faster reading onscreen. - ePub
Universal format to download to eBook readers, including for the iPad through iBooks. Allows for annotating highlighting and text reflow. - The Immersive Reader
Provides tools for comprehension and focus, can customise the background colour and read-back settings (available online only). - Electronic Braille
Braille Ready Format (BRF) for electronic braille readers.
Learn More
To learn more about the accessibility features of each format and how everyone can access them, two workshops will be taking place next week. These sessions are available to staff in all roles and provide a comprehensive overview of the alternative formats automatically generated by Ally. There will be a demonstration of how the accessible formats can be accessed. Module leaders will also find this session useful to learn about their module Blackboard Ally Accessibility Report and tailored guidance.
Ally Workshop Dates
- Tuesday 3rd December, 11am (via Teams)
- Thursday 5th December, 1pm (via Teams)
Please book via the SLAR Learning & development pages: Booking information