Blackboard Ally

What is Blackboard Ally?

Missouri State is pleased to announce the addition of a new accessibility tool in Blackboard. Blackboard Ally supports diversity, equity, and inclusive learning in a way that equally benefits both faculty and students. Blackboard Ally is available for all faculty and students starting with the 2019 Spring semester. Training sessions will be posted shortly.

Blackboard ALLY Introduction Video
Benefits for Faculty
  1. Blackboard Ally will automatically run your course materials through an accessibility checker eliminating the need to use multiple checkers and tools. 
  2. Blackboard Ally will generate accessible alternatives to your original document including audio, ePub, electronic braille, tagged PDF, and HTML for viewing on mobile devices.
  3. Alternative formats generated by Ally supports the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and allows students to choose the type of file that best suits their needs.
  4. Blackboard Ally will also provide feedback on the accessibility of your course and guidance on how to fix any identified accessibility issues.
  5. Blackboard Ally allows you to respond to student needs for accessible versions of content without additional development time for creating that content.

Please visit the Calendar of Events for upcoming Ally workshops. If you are interested in one-on-one Ally training or scheduling a training session for your department contact us at FCTL@missouristate.edu. Ally Ambassadors are also available to attend department meetings in their college to share information and answer questions about Ally. To find your ambassador please see the list below.

Ally Ambassadors

During the pilot, the following faculty received advanced training on using Blackboard Ally.  These faculty have agreed to serve as Ally Ambassadors and answer questions from other faculty about this new tool and also direct you to available resources on campus.  If you have questions about Ally please contact your Ally Ambassador below.

College Faculty Department
AG

Will Boyer
Marilyn Odneal

Agriculture
Agriculture-Mt. Grove
CHHS

Holly Metcalf
David Caravella

Communication Sciences and Disorders
Kinesiology (per-course)
CHPA Eric Nelson History
CNAS

Kimberly Van Ornum  

Math
COAL

Lanette Cadle
Margaret Weaver
Nora Cox
Taleyna Morris
Robyn Rowe
Paula Patterson

English
English
Communications
Communications
Communications
Music
COB Carly Pierson Marketing
COE

Annice McLean

Ching-Wen Chang
Sharie Scott
Tamara Arthaud
Melissa Schotthofer
Kimberly Roam

Reading Foundations & Technology

Reading Foundations & Technology

Counseling Leadership & Special Education

Counseling Leadership & Special Education

Childhood Ed & Family Studies

Childhood Ed & Family Studies
LIB

Jessica Bennett
Kelly Wood
Lacey Geiger    

Meyer Library
Academic Success
Access & Outreach