This is all about LEARNING how to curate accessible course materials and why that matters. Your course wasn't created in one day and fixing inaccessible content will take time. Start small and build upon each success! Working in Canvas and with the Ally accessibility platform, we hope you become more familiar with common accessibility issues and start to develop course content with accessibility in mind.
UT is committed to a culture of excellence, innovation and the equitable and full inclusion of diverse learners into every aspect of campus life. As part of this commitment and to assist instructors in making classroom content accessible to the broadest audience possible, we are introducing a new integration available in Canvas called the Ally accessibility platform. The Ally accessibility platform works seamlessly with Canvas courses to gauge the accessibility of course files. The Ally accessibility tool provides guidance and tips for improvements to course accessibility, while providing alternative accessible versions of course files to students.
Getting Started videos for Instructors and Students
Overview for Instructors
Alternative Accessible Formats
What is Ally?
The Ally accessibility platform is a tool that integrates into Canvas that improves the accessibility of course documents and images. The Ally accessibility tool evaluates all documents and images that are uploaded to a Canvas course and provides recommended steps needed to improve the accessibility of content where it does not comply with accessibility guidelines. Ally also provides students with alternative formats of the original document so students can select the one that best fits their unique learning needs.
Click to learn more about the Ally platform
Why the Ally accessibility platform?
Our campus is full of diverse students with unique learning abilities, needs, and devices. Course content created with inclusion in mind can benefit not only students with disclosed disabilities such as visual impairments and dyslexia, but improve the learning experience for all students. The Ally accessibility platform integrates into Canvas wherever uploaded content appears. It provides visual indicators next to the uploaded course documents so instructors can see accessibility scores and learn how to create more accessible source files. Students cannot see or access these visual indicators. The instructor feedback and creation of alternative formats help make courses more inclusive for all!
What are the two main purposes of Ally Accessibility Platform?
Evaluation of course materials for accessibility;
Generation of accessibility reports for instructors and institutions.
How can the Ally Accessibility Tool help me as an instructor?
For faculty, it scans uploaded documents for accessibility issues and provides step-by-step instructions on how to fix those issues.
For students, it provides alternative formats for Canvas content and uploaded documents without intervention from instructors.
How Do I Use Ally in My Course? [Faculty]
The Ally accessibility platform scans uploaded documents for accessibility issues and provides instructions on how to fix those issues. Your course files and content will now have color “speedometer” or gauges next to them. It can be a bit overwhelming at first. Don’t worry, your students can’t see them.
The gauges indicate the file’s level of accessibility, and are there to help you prioritize which files you want to fix first. You might be tempted to click on the gauges to learn more about problem areas, but the Course Accessibility Report is a much better place to start! It provides an overview of your course and will help you chart a path forward.
Click to learn more about the Course Accessibility Report
Course Accessibility Report
The course accessibility report acts as a complement to the existing accessibility indicators. It provides an accessibility summary and overview at the course level and includes Overview and Content tabs so that instructors can get the big picture as well as specific details about the accessibility of their digital course content.
The Overview tab shows the accessibility score for the course, course content grouped by content type, and a list of all issues identified in the course
The Content tab shows you the content with accessibility issues.
The report helps instructors determine priority and gives options for the order of fixing. For example, content with most severe issues first or start with content that's easiest to fix.
At the top of the report is an accessibility score for the entire course. Scores range from Low to Perfect. The higher the score the fewer the issues.
Low (0-33%): Needs help! There are severe accessibility issues.
Medium (34-66%): A little better. The course is somewhat accessible and needs improvement.
High (67-99%): Almost there. The course is accessible but more improvements are possible.
Perfect (100%): Perfect! Ally didn't identify any accessibility issues but further improvements may still be possible.
Overview Tab
The Overview tab shows instructors the following details:
Accessibility score for the course
Graphical display of course content distribution grouped by content type
List of all issues identified in the course
All course content
See all content in your course grouped by content type. Select Start to go to the Content tab and start fixing issues.
Choose what to fix first
Use the report to help you decide what to fix first. Choose between Content with the easiest issues to fix and Fix low scoring content. See how many pieces of content you'll be fixing. Select Start.
Remaining issues
Issues are listed in order of priority from severe to minor. Those at the top of the list should be addressed first. Ally looks at the number of students impacted, how often the issue occurs, and the accessibility score to determine the priority.
Severe. These issues are the greatest risk to accessibility and require the most attention.
Major. These issues impact accessibility, and while not severe, require attention.
Minor. These issues should be considered for a better accessibility score.
First, students will NOT see the accessibility indicators (dials/gauges) or the Course Accessibility Report course navigation menu item. However, students will see a new "A” icon or "Alternative Formats” option and be able to generate file types that work best for them without instructor assistance. Besides helping students with disabilities, these alternative formats can help English language learners and students with diverse learning preferences (mobile, audio, larger font sizes, etc.). The Ally accessibility platform automatically generates these “Alternative Formats” for all of your course files, and makes them available for download to you and your students. Your original file will not be changed by the alternative formats.
Click for more information about Alternative Formats
Alternative Formats
Ally generates alternative formats for uploaded files that suit the needs of different students. Whether students prefer to listen to course readings during their commute or rely on screen-reader technology for scanned materials, Ally provides accessible options.
What is an alternative format?
Ally creates alternative formats for your course content based on the original. These formats are made available with the original content so students can find everything in one convenient location. You don’t need to do anything. Alternative formats are created for you. If you want, you can disable alternative formats for any individual content item for whatever reason. With alternative formats, all students can meet the same learning objectives using resources that are built to target the needs of the individual student. For example, Ally creates audio and electronic braille alternatives for students with visual impairments.
Alternative formats aren't just for a select group of students. Alternative formats benefit everyone. For example, your students may be prone to eye strain, or maybe they are an auditory learner. They can listen to an audio format of the content instead. Or use the HTML or ePub formats for easier reading on a mobile device.
Users can download the alternative formats anywhere they see the Ally accessibility tool's alternative formats download icon. Just choose the version of the original that works best for your needs.
The Ally accessibility platform automatically scans the original content and performs a series of steps to make them more accessible. These formats are designed to work better with assistive technologies, mobile devices, and study tools. Select the “A” icon or anywhere you see “Alternative Formats” in your course to open the modal (pictured below). Based on the original file, you will see your list of available options. Choose the option you want and click “download.” The original course file will not be affected by the alternative formats.
Alternative format size limits
Ally doesn't enforce a file size limit, so it is possible to upload a file so large the Ally algorithm will fail to generate alternative formats.
Keep the original content to fewer than 100 pages for the OCR format for scanned documents to work.
Limit content to 30,000 characters for the translated format to work.
Limit content to 100,000 characters for the audio format to work. This character limit typically corresponds to at least 30 pages or several hours of audio.
Limit file uploads to 50 MB in the "Instructor Feedback" panel.
Password-protected content
Ally detects password-protected content and gives the content a 0% accessibility score. Ally then provides guidance to help remove the password through the instructor's feedback. Ally doesn't generate any alternative formats for password-protected content, as it cannot get access to the actual content.
Supported File Types
Ally will review the accessibility of the following content types:
PDF (.pdf)
Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)
Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx)
OpenOffice/LibreOffice
Uploaded HTML files (.html)
Image files (JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BPM, TIFF)
Content created in the Rich Content Editor (on Canvas)
YouTube videos
Ally Alternative Formats
Ally generates alternative formats for uploaded documents including:
Tagged PDF
OCR (PDF)
HTML
ePub
Electronic Braille
Audio
BeeLine Reader
Translated Text
Immersive Reader
Navigate Alternative Formats
Where will it download? When selected, the alternative formats link opens the Download alternative formats dialog with these options:
Alternative formats aren't just for a select group of students.Alternative formats benefit everyone. For example, your students may be prone to eye strain, or maybe they are an auditory learner. They can listen to an audio format of the content instead. Or use the HTML or ePub formats for easier reading on a mobile device.
Users can download the alternative formats anywhere they see the Ally accessibility tool's alternative formats download icon. Just choose the version of the original that works best for your needs.
Click on a student to learn how Alternative Formats can benefit them.
The student in the image above says, I take the bus to campus each morning and prefer to do my reading then. I'd like to listen to my assigned readings as I follow along. I also like to annotate and highlight my PDFs.
Solution: Tagged PDFs allow for offline viewing and text-to-speech, and can be highlighted and/or annotated. A Tagged PDF alternative uses tags and elements—such as blockquote, paragraph, and headings—to add meaning to a page. It aids screen reader users with good content structure.
The student in the image above says, My philosophy professor scans his old books and uploads PDFs for us to read. I wish I could turn those into a searchable PDF that I can edit!
Solution:OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. The OCR PDF alternatives are created when the original content is a PDF of an image. OCR technology analyzes the content and converts the image into searchable text.
The student in the image above says, After school I sit in traffic, then go to the gym before heading home. How can I get a head start on my readings while on the go?
Solution: The audio format alternative generates an .mp3 file, creating the option to listen to assigned readings on the road, at the gym, or at home! Ally detects the language of the original content and selects a matching language for the audio format file. If you want the original content in a different language, try the Translated Version format.
The student in the image above says, I get chronic migraines, so I need to adjust the background/text to something easier on my eyes. I get most of my reading and notetaking done on-the-go, and usually just use my smartphone.
Solution: ePubs allow for adjusting font, background, and text color. The ePub alternative creates a digital publishing file that can be viewed on mobile devices. ePub files are reflowable. Reflowable means that the content displayed automatically adapts to the device it is viewed on.
The student in the image above says, I'm a neurodivergent grad student that struggles to focus through long, assigned readings. I need a tool to keep my eyes on track!
Solution: BeeLine Reader makes reading on screen easier and faster. Instead of using plain black text, BeeLine Reader displays text using a subtle color gradient that helps pull your eye through your readings. This new display format has been honored by the United Nations and is used by readers in 120 countries around the world. Read more about BeeLine Reader here
The student in the image above says, I have low vision, and getting my course materials provided in braille format can be an administrative chore -- I need to have access to these formats on demand, without waiting on other people.
Solution: The electronic braille alternative creates a BRF file that can be read on a refreshable Braille display (RBD), other Braille reading devices, or within a Braille software like Duxbury.
Think of a Refreshable Braille Display (RBD) as a monitor-less computer. Most RBDs can connect to internet, create documents, access calendar, and a lot of the basic functionality a computer provides. RBDs can be a standalone devices. They can also be connected to a smartphone, iPad, or laptop. Most RBDs are limited to reading one line of Braille at a time.
Other Alternative Formats
HTML
What is Semantic HTML? Tags and elements—such as blockquote, paragraph, and headings—are added to add meaning to a page. These tag and elements aid screen reader users with good content structure.
Semantic HTML is viewed in a browser and adapts to the device you are viewing it on. It is also available offline if students do not close their browser.
Image above shows three devices side-by-side, a phone, tablet, and laptop, that are displaying an academic journal with Semantic HTMLs. The contents of this academic article have been separated into its distinct subsections and can be viewed on each device.
Immersive Reader
In a nutshell, Immersive Reader is an online alternative format that enhances the reading experience, increasing the readability of the content. Thanks to our partnership with Microsoft, Ally for LMS' Alternative Formats is now strengthened by this tool that allows learners to:
Change font size and text spacing
Change the contrast between the text and the background color
Learn spelling and grammar by splitting words into syllables
Highlight verbs, nouns, adjectives, and sub-clauses
View a picture dictionary
Increase reading speed with line focus
Convert text-to-speech (both male and female voices)
This alternative format provides a machine-translated version of the original content into multiple languages. PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and HTML documents are supported.
The image above describes various needs (adjusting text/font/color, playback speed, commuting, mobile device, viewable offline, etc) and how various alternative format types help to address these needs. Users can refer to this table to think about which alternative file types might fit their learning needs or preferences best.
Wait! What about the Canvas Accessibility Checker?
Yes! You can use the Rich Content Editor's accessibility checker to detect common accessibility errors within native Canvas content (Pages, Assignments, Quizzes, Discussions, etc.). It will not catch accessibility issues within the Files area of Canvas. The Ally platform will flag items within Files and other content areas of Canvas, such as Pages, Assignments, Discussions, etc.
Click to learn more about the Canvas Accessibility Checker
You can use the Accessibility Checker to design course content while considering accessibility attributes. Common flagged items include missing alternative descriptions for images, text color contrast, heading levels, missing table captions and headers, and incorrectly formatted lists. Update this content using Canvas' Accessibility Checker and it will remain "fixed" when you import course content/copy a Canvas course for next semester.
STEP 2: Create accessible documents (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) at the start
Significantly improve accessibility as you create documents by doing these five things:
The Ally Support Team is here to help you move those gauges from red to green. When you click on a gauge next to a piece of content in Canvas, a pop up box will appear that provides an accessibility score and a recommendation to fix the issue. Click on the "Help" link and you can immediately send a message to the Ally Remediation Support Team. The team will fix the flagged issue and return the remediated document to you. You can also reach the team directly at Allyplatform@utlists@utexas.edu
UT Library System
Contact the UT Libraries for help finding if an alternative text-based format is available, such as an HTML version of a journal article or an ebook version of a text. You can alsorequesta scanned and OCRed version of journal articles via the Libraries’ Course Materials Service.
UT Libraries Captioning and Transcription Services
Our mission at Captioning and Transcription Services is to create high quality, professional text versions of your audio/visual content. We strive to make the process as easy and efficient as possible. https://captioning.lib.utexas.edu/Links to an external site.
Center for Teaching and Learning
The CTL will support pedagogical development around the use of Ally for Canvas by sharing effective teaching strategies, offering consultations for pedagogical questions, promoting reflective practices around accessibility in tandem with the integration and use of this tool in their course, and cultivating workshops and peer learning spaces to support the adoption of Ally for Canvas to improve the quality of their instruction and students' success. https://ctl.utexas.edu/contact-us
Disability and Access
Disability and Access (D&A) ensures students with disabilities have equal access to their academic experiences at the University of Texas at Austin by determining eligibility and approving reasonable accommodations. For more information on the services that are available through D&A, visit ourFaculty/Staff page.
Document Accessibility | Web Publishing Guidelines
Low (0-33%): Needs help! There are severe accessibility issues.
Medium (34-66%): A little better. The course is somewhat accessible and needs improvement.
High (67-99%): Almost there. The course is accessible but more improvements are possible.
Perfect (100%): Perfect! Ally didn't identify any accessibility issues but further improvements may still be possible.
Severe. These issues are the greatest risk to accessibility and require the most attention.
Major. These issues impact accessibility, and while not severe, require attention.
Minor. These issues should be considered for a better accessibility score.
