Summary
Quick, optional accessibility tips for Blackboard Ultra that you can complete in 2 to 10 minutes, including Ally, headings, alt text, scanned PDFs, and captions.
Body
Blackboard Ultra Accessibility Challenge
Quick tips you can do in 2 to 10 minutes
Purpose
These optional steps help improve access for students and can also reduce confusion, missed steps, and repeat questions. You do not need to do every tip. Start anywhere.
Before you start
- Pick one course and aim for one small improvement at a time.
- Progress matters more than perfection.
Tip 1: Show students Ally Alternative Formats
Why this helps
Students can access readings in formats like audio, HTML, or ePub, which may support different learning preferences and needs.
Quick steps
- In your course, locate a file that has the Ally download option available for students.
- Add a short note in your syllabus, Start Here area, or an announcement, for example:
Alternative formats are available for many course files. Look for the Ally download option next to readings.
- Optional: In Student Preview, click the download option once so you can describe what students will see.
Tip 2: Check the Ally indicator next to one file
Why this helps
The indicator quickly shows which files may benefit from an update.
Quick steps
- Go to Course Content.
- Find a file with a lower Ally score.
- Click the indicator to open Ally guidance.
Tip 3: Open the Course Accessibility Report
Why this helps
This gives you a course wide snapshot and helps you prioritize what is worth fixing first.
Quick steps
- In your course, go to Books and Tools.
- Select Accessibility Report.
- Review Easiest issues to fix and Low scoring content.
Tip 4: Fix one item using Ally guidance
Why this helps
Ally provides step by step guidance so you can make a real improvement quickly.
Quick steps
- From the Accessibility Report, open one item with a low score.
- Follow the recommended fix. Common quick wins include image descriptions and document titles.
- Save your update and confirm the score improves.
Tip 5: Add headings in one Ultra Document
Why this helps
Headings make content easier to scan and navigate, especially on mobile or with screen readers.
Quick steps
- Open an Ultra Document.
- Highlight a section title.
- Apply a heading style such as Heading 2.
- Use headings consistently for sections, then use normal text for paragraphs.
Tip 6: Add alt text to one meaningful image
Why this helps
Alt text ensures that students who cannot see an image still get the key information.
Quick steps
- Find an image that conveys meaning such as instructions, a diagram, a chart, or a screenshot.
- Add a short description that captures the purpose of the image.
- If the image is only decorative, mark it as decorative instead of adding alt text.
Alt text examples
- Screenshot showing where to find the Accessibility Report under Books and Tools.
- Chart comparing two results. Section A increases while Section B stays flat.
Tip 7: Improve one scanned PDF
Why this helps
Scanned PDFs may not be readable by assistive technology unless the text is recognized.
Quick steps
- In the Accessibility Report, open a PDF flagged as scanned.
- Use the Ally OCR option if available.
- If you have the original Word or PowerPoint, replace the scanned file with the original and export a new accessible PDF.
Tip 8: Replace “click here” once
Why this helps
Descriptive links are easier to understand out of context.
Quick steps
- Find one “click here” link in a document, item description, or announcement.
- Replace it with a descriptive phrase, for example:
- Read the Accessibility Report instructions
- Watch the webinar recording
- Open the weekly module checklist
Tip 9: Check captions or transcripts for one video
Why this helps
Captions support comprehension for many students, including multilingual learners and students in noisy or quiet environments.
Quick steps
- Identify one video used in your course.
- Confirm captions are available and reasonably accurate.
- If you use Video Studio, review and edit the transcript if needed.
Tip 10: Do a quick progress check
Why this helps
Seeing improvement keeps momentum going and helps you decide what to tackle next.
Quick steps
- Reopen the Accessibility Report.
- Note one score improvement or one item you fixed.
- Decide on one next step for later.
Need help
Drop into TTC Virtual Office Hours for live support. Times and the Zoom link are shared in our weekly TTC emails. You may also email TTC@bridgew.edu.
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