Accessibility in Blackboard
Blackboard is fully committed to delivering product experiences that conform to the highest levels of global accessibility standards. Towson University’s Blackboard Support Team knows that accessibility is imperative, not an afterthought.
All Blackboard products are designed and developed with the internally recognized 2.0 Level AA as well as the standards in the United States. Blackboard is becoming, and TU's Blackboard environment has 3rd party integrations that some professors utilize. Learn more about the 3rd party vendor accessibility information (PDF) and about the importance of . If you have questions, please contact TU Blackboard Support.
Blackboard Accessibility Tool
Ally is an accessibility checker integrated within Blackboard. This tool gauges the accessibility of uploaded the documents/files including feedback on how to improve the accessibility and how to provide alternative formats of content to students. Using an accessibility checker supports diverse student needs at TU through inclusive design and learner preferences.
Resources for Instructors
on Blackboard accessibility, and for course accessibility. Learn how to support diverse student needs through inclusive design and learner preferences in the hosted by Ally's Product Manager.
Using the Blackboard Accessibility Tool (Ally)
Tips for Making Your Course Accessible
- Use descriptive headings and apply heading formatting.
- Avoid using font styles, color, bold, italics, underline or strikethrough to emphasize content.
- Use purposeful images and include alternative text to those images.
- Make descriptive links when linking outside your course.
- Use lists instead of tables whenever possible.
- Properly list content using bullet points or numbered lists.
- All videos should be captioned
- Format your files and documents to be accessible.
- Provide students with clear expectations, instructions and directions for all assignments and tests.