Ally for Professors
Ally software is integrated within MMC’s Blackboard to help gain greater insight into the accessibility of our digital course content; provide guidance to professors about how to improve the quality of their content for everyone; and provide students of all abilities with immediate access to content in formats that may be more suited to their specific needs.
In short, Ally seamlessly converts any file you upload in Blackboard to the following formats:
- HTML (for viewing in browsers and mobile devices)
- ePub (for reading as an e-book on an iPad, Kindle, etc.)
- Electronic braille (BRF version for electronic braille displays)
- Audio (MP3 version for listening)
What’s New for Professors?
Ally will seamlessly measure the accessibility of any file you upload to Blackboard. Each score is composed of both a numerical number and a colored gauge that reflects the number. Accessibility scores are determined by the severity of issues in each file. A low score indicates the file has severe or multiple accessibility issues; a high score means there are minor or no accessibility issues. For accessibility scores less than 100 percent, Ally gives you suggestions for improving the accessibility of the file.
There are three colors of gauge icons that measure your file’s accessibility, red, orange, and green:
Not accessible: Red icon. The file is not accessible and needs immediate attention. The accessibility score will range from 0 percent to 33 percent.
Low accessibility: Orange icon. The file is somewhat accessible. The accessibility score will range from 33 percent to 66 percent.
Accessible: Green icon. The file is accessible, but could be improved. The accessibility score will range from 66 percent to 100 percent.
If you click on the accessible gauge icon, you will be presented with instructions on how to improve your score.
In addition, below are .pdf instructions on how to improve your accessibility score for three of the most common occurrences:
- Working with Headings in Word
- Working with Alt Text for Images
- Adding Alt Descriptions for Images in PowerPoint
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Michael Johnson, the Assistive Technology Specialist, the Office of Disability Services, or the Academic Access Program in Carson Hall 500.
Providing equality of opportunity to persons with disabilities, including equal access to College programs, services, and activities delivered through electronic or information technology (EIT) is mandated by federal non-discrimination requirements and supports our efforts to maintain a diverse and inclusive academic community.