Ally

Anthology Ally, built into UMBC’s Blackboard learning environment, scans course content for accessibility issues, provides clear feedback to instructors, and offers students alternative formats that better fit their learning needs.

What is Ally?

Ally is a tool integrated into Blackboard that:

  • Scans uploaded files and content blocks for accessibility issues
  • Provides real-time indicators to instructors (with color-coded meters)
  • Offers step-by-step remediation guides
  • Allows students to download alternative formats (audio, ePub, OCRed PDFs)
  • Ally supports content types such as Word docs, PowerPoints, PDFs, images, and HTML files uploaded directly to Blackboard.

For Faculty: Improve Your Course Accessibility, Step by Step

  • Ally uses color-coded gauges next to each file or item to display the accessibility scores
    • Red or orange: Needs improvement
    • Light green: Almost accessible
    • Dark green: Fully accessible
  • Clicking the indicator reveals:
    • What’s wrong
    • Why it matters
    • How to fix it (with direct remediation steps)

You don’t need to be an expert! Ally makes accessibility fixes manageable:

  • Use the Ally panel to add alt text, replace scanned documents, or fix headings
  • Upload improved versions of documents and see instant feedback
  • Refresh your browser to see updated scores

For Students: Download Content in the Format You Need

Ally gives you the flexibility to choose how you access your course materials. If you see an “A” icon next to a file or course content, click it to download alternative formats such as:

  • Tagged PDF: Optimized for screen readers
  • Audio (MP3): Listen to readings on the go
  • ePub: Ideal for mobile or tablet reading
  • OCRed PDF: Makes scanned documents searchable
  • HTML version: Easy to read in your browser

These options are available automatically — no request needed.

Resources