Ally is a content accessibility service integrated with learning management systems like Canvas. This service guides instructors on how to improve the accessibility of their course content and allows students to choose the format that's best for them. With the option of alternative content formats, students are offered a more inclusive learning environment.
An alternative format is a varied representation of educational materials beyond traditional print, designed to accommodate diverse learning needs and preferences. It includes formats such as audio, electronic braille, and other modalities, fostering inclusivity by allowing individuals to choose how they access information based on their unique requirements.
Ally provides alternative formats for these content types and more:
Ally can generate these alternative formats. The alternative formats available to download depend on the original file or content type:
For detailed descriptions of the listed Alternative Formats listed and help deciding which may be best for you, please visit: Help Center - Alternative Formats
Source: Student FAQ's About Ally https://help.blackboard.com/Ally/Ally_for_LMS/Student/FAQs
Around your course you will see the Alternative formats icon; this icon indicates that the accompanying content (Canvas page, embedded documents, etc.) can be downloaded as an Alternative format.
NOTE: You may see the icon next to certain videos on your course site. Academic recordings cannot be downloaded and downloads are not permitted under the Class Recording Policy.
When a document is linked only (not embedded within the page), you will see the download icon. Click that icon to find the download Alternative formats option.
In this example, we go through downloading with BeeLine Reader. BeeLine Reader downloads as an HTML file that will open in your browser and allows you to choose different display formats that may increase reading efficiency.
1. Click the Alternative formats icon next to the desired content.
2. Select the desired Alternative format and then click the blue Download button.
3. Go to your device's download folder and find your downloaded Alternative format.
4. Open the file to view.
Please find more detailed information about Ally at their Help Center linked below:
Ally for LMS Help for Students
If you have questions, please contact the Office of Instructional Technology at oit@law.gwu.edu.
