Close-up image of students hand using computer mouse

New digital accessibility tool implemented in Canvas

Following a yearlong pilot, Blackboard Ally for Canvas is now available in all Canvas courses.

On Aug. 16, Ally for Canvas was enabled for all past and current courses in Canvas. Ally improves and enhances awareness of digital accessibility in Case Western Reserve University’s Canvas courses.

As an accessibility tool, Ally has multiple functions. First, it provides an accessibility checker for faculty by scanning Canvas course site files and rating them with an accessibility score. The score, only visible to faculty, is a small gauge next to the file name that opens to reveal specific accessibility issues and how to address them.

For both faculty and students, Ally also generates a selection of alternate formats to enhance the experience with accessible versions of files. Get more information about Ally for Canvas.

Teaching + Learning Technologies will offer “Introduction to Ally for Canvas” training sessions for faculty and staff. The sessions will be held:

  • Thursday, Aug. 29, from noon to 1 p.m. in Crawford Hall, Room 720
  • Friday, Sept. 6, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Thwing Center, Room 218

A virtual option also will be available concurrently for both sessions through Zoom. Watch the sessions via Zoom.

For assistance with any technology product or service at Case Western Reserve University, contact the University Technology Service Desk at help@case.edu or 216.368.HELP (4357) or visit help.case.edu.