Introducing Ally: Accessible formats for course files

Ally, provided by Blackboard, generates alternative formats of course files uploaded by instructors—such as text that is readable by a screen reader, electronic braille, or audio—that students can download and use to support their learning.

Ally’s alternative formats feature is now available in all Canvas courses. To make course content easily accessible to all students, Ally converts files to formats that work better for everyone, not just those with particular learning requirements. For example, some students may prefer to listen rather than read. Ally provides audio conversions of text-based files. Or some students may need an electronic braille format or a format that is more easily used by a screen reader. Ally alternative formats are designed to make course content more accessible to everyone.