How to Use This Section
Ally not only creates course reports but also institution reports for every semester. We have compiled the top 5 issues that appeared across all digital courses at UTSA.
Each tab corresponds to each issue type. Review the tabs and the tips on how to correct the issue.
To access the list of accessibility issues within your Blackboard course, find your course report labeled Accessibility Report under Course Tools within your Blackboard course.
Image: The image does not have a description
Tips on How to Fix Image Description(s):
If your image lacks a text description, the Ally indicator will appear “red.” Selecting the indicator will reveal that the file is only 25% accessible because it lacks an alternative description. Click the “What this means” button for an explanation, and “How to write a good description” for some quick tips.
When you’re ready, simply add your alternative description to the text field in the Ally feedback window. You can also edit existing text in the box. When you’re done, select “Add.” Make sure your description is more than just the title of the file, or Ally will report an accessibility error. Describe the image and what’s important, and mention any text in the image to improve your score.
If your image is only for visual affect, and does not contain info relevant to the learning content, you can also mark the image as “decorative.” This means no alternative description is necessary, and your accessibility score will improve. This helps assure students of the purpose of those files.
Adapted from Blackboard Ally: Add Alternative Description for Image Files
Document: The document contains images without a description
Issue Category: Major
Tips on How to Fix Document Image Description(s):
If your document includes images without descriptions, you will need to access the file uploaded in your course. First, use the Ally in-browser preview to pinpoint where an image without descriptions is located in your file.
Then go to your course files in the content collection area to download the file onto your computer.
Review the What This Means and How to Fix buttons under the issue in Ally to learn more about the issue and how to update your file.
After updating and saving the file, return to the Ally issue in your course. Upload your updated file using the Drop file or Browse function.
Note: Using the Ally section to upload updated files will give you a real-time score update. If you upload your file through the content collection area, your score may take up to 48hrs to update.
Document: The document has contrast issues
Issue Category: Major
Tips on How to Document Color Contrast:
If your document includes contrast issues, you will need to access the original file uploaded in your course. First,use the Ally in-browser preview to pinpoint where contrast issues are located in your course.
Then go to your course files in the content collection area to download the file onto your computer.
Review the What This Means and How to Fix Contrast buttons to learn more about the issue and how to update your file.
We recommend sticking to basic black text with a white background when possible. If using colors refer to the UTSA Style Guide for UTSA color combinations that have been tested for color contrast.
After updating and saving the file, return to the Ally issue in your course. Upload your updated file using the Drop file or Browse function.
Note: Using the Ally section to upload updated files will give you a real-time score update. If you upload your file through the content collection area, your score may take up to 48hrs to update.
Document: The document does not have a language set
Issue Category: Minor
Tips on How Set a Document Language:
If your document needs a language set, you will need to access the original file uploaded in your course.
Go to your course files in the content collection area to download the file onto your computer.
Language sets must be established in Adobe PDF files.
- Open the PDF file
- Select file on the menu
- Select Properties
- Once in the Properties window, select the Advanced tab
- Under the Advanced tab, go to Reading Options and select the appropriate language
- After selecting the language, press the OK button
- Save the file
After updating and saving the file, return to the Ally issue in your course. Upload your updated file using the Drop file or Browse function.
Note: Using the Ally section to upload updated files will give you a real-time score update. If you upload your file through the content collection area, your score may take up to 48hrs to update.
Document: The document is missing a title
Issue Category: Minor
Tips on How to Add a Document Title:
If your document needs a title, you will need to access the original file uploaded in your course.
Go to your course files in the content collection area to download the file onto your computer.
Review the What this means section. If you can locate the source file, use the How to Add a Title button to learn how to add a title. If you are working with a PDF, use the steps below:
- Open the PDF file
- Select file on the menu
- Select Properties
- Once in the Properties window, select the Description tab
- Under the Description tab, go to Description and add a title in the Title field
- After adding the title, press the OK button
- Save the file
After updating and saving the file, return to the Ally issue in your course. Upload your updated file using the Drop file or Browse function.
Note: Using the Ally section to upload updated files will give you a real-time score update. If you upload your file through the content collection area, your score may take up to 48hrs to update.
