Need to boost your course accessibility but short on time? Blackboard’s Ally tool is built right into your course and gives you instant feedback on how to improve content for all students — including those with disabilities. Ally helps create a better learning experience for all students, not just those with disabilities. 

Here’s how to get started:

1. Look for the Colored Meters

Every file you upload in Blackboard, as well as the content you create in Blackboard, gets a small gauge icon next to it. These meters are only visible to you, the instructor, and to the Blackboard system admins. 

Image 1: Ally meters inform you about the accessibility of your content. Low (0-33%): Needs help! There are severe accessibility issues. Medium (34-66%): A little better. The file is somewhat accessible and needs improvement. High (67-99%): Almost there. The file is accessible but more improvements are possible. Perfect (100%): Perfect! Ally didn't identify any accessibility issues but further improvements may still be possible.

Click the meter next to a content item to see what’s wrong and how to fix it. 

2. Use the Ally Course Report

In the right menu of your Ultra course, go to Books & Tools > Ally Course Accessibility Report.

You’ll see:

• An overall course accessibility score
• A breakdown by content type
• A list of issues by severity
  

Start with “Easy issues to fix” or “Low scoring content” to make quick progress. Many times, these may be the same issues, or the easy issues are images that need descriptions so it can be a fast way to improve your course accessibility. 

3. Tackle the Top Three Issues

UMBC’s most common accessibility problems are:

• Images with no alt text. Fixing these issues ensures that screen reader users can understand the purpose of your visuals.
• Scanned PDFs that screen readers can’t interpret. Converting these to accessible documents allows all students to read and interact with your lecture notes and readings.
• Documents with no tags, no headings or poor contrast. Tags, headings and good contrast make it easier for students to navigate and read your materials, especially those with low vision or cognitive disabilities.
  

Fixing just these can significantly raise your accessibility score.

4. Use Ally’s Built-In Fix Guides

Clicking on an issue opens a feedback panel with:

• A preview of the content
• A plain-language explanation of the problem
• Step-by-step instructions to fix it
  

You don’t need to be a tech expert -- Ally walks you through it.

5. Tell Students About Alternative File Formats

Ally doesn’t just help instructors -- it gives students access to alternative formats like audio, tagged PDFs, and BeeLine Reader to reduce cognitive overload. These formats are auto-generated from your original files and are available through a dropdown icon next to each document. Encourage your students to explore these options based on their learning preferences, device or accessibility needs. It’s an easy win to support more flexible, inclusive learning.

Open your course today, check the meters, and fix one thing. Just one small change can make a big difference.

Ready to take the first step? Visit UMBC’s Digital Accessibility site or run an Ally course report today. Support is also available from Student Disability Services and Instructional Technology.

myUMBC Poll: Which Ally strategy will you try first?

Excited to learn and earn? Applications are open for this semester’s fellowships:

Kol Yisrael: Zionism (6 sessions, taught by Danielle)
Explore the history, modern realities, and diverse perspectives of Zionism.

Jewish Learning Fellowship: Life’s Big Questions (10 weeks, taught by Lisa)
A conversational, student-centered space to explore Judaism on your own terms.

Why join?

• Engaging discussions in a supportive cohort

• A stipend for your time

• Refer a friend who joins and get a $10 gift card

Deadline extended: Apply by Friday, September 5 at 11:59pm EST to vote on your preferred meeting time.

Apply here:

• KY: https://forms.gle/qi7TDsrHhFVwjpqq7

• JLF: https://forms.gle/5aQBryeWA27wZbLYA