In support of the University’s strategic commitment to inclusive practice and recognition of student diversity, in the Curriculum Framework and Policy on Inclusive Practice in T&L, we are using Blackboard Ally to support inclusivity and accessibility of our virtual learning environment (VLE).
Blackboard Ally is an extension to the Blackboard VLE and it improves the accessibility of online learning materials within courses. It will help the institution to systematically and efficiently meet its accessibility obligations by providing:
- Alternative accessible formats of course materials: Learning materials in alternative formats are automatically available for students to use in their courses on Blackboard.
- Guidance to academics: It enables academics to easily assess the accessibility of their learning materials by automatically running an accessibility checklist and giving guidance on how to improve them.
- Reports on the accessibility of digital learning materials at an institutional level, thereby providing an insight into the level at which the University is meeting its legal obligations, and assisting in planning how to improve its position.
All of these features require minimal intervention and the software seamlessly integrates into the existing learning platform (Blackboard) to provide a consistent and inclusive learning experience for students. To find out more about Blackboard Ally, see our TEL staff development programme.