High-Impact Accessibility Actions

1. Declutter Your Blackboard Course

Over time, courses can fill up with old files, duplicate materials, or outdated content. Removing unnecessary materials reduces confusion for students and helps you focus on accessibility improvements where it matters most.

Try this:

• Review your Content Collection and delete unused files.

• Unpublish or remove outdated assignments, quizzes, and folders.

• Simplify your Course Menu—fewer, clearly named items make navigation easier for everyone.

Tip: When cleaning up, keep only the most current, clearly labeled versions of each document or slide deck.

If you'd like to keep a backup of your old content, you can archive the course before cleaning it up. Send us an email if you need help with this. 

2. Choose already-accessible Readings When Possible

Scanned PDFs can be difficult or impossible for screen readers to interpret. Whenever possible, link to readings that are available as full-text web pages.

Try this:

• In the UAS Library database search, use filters such as Available Online or Full Text to locate accessible web versions.

• If you must use a PDF, run it through Word, Grackle for Google, or Foxit's Accessibility Checker and ensure text is selectable (not just an image). You can find more details on CELT's accessible documents page. 

Tip: If a reading is only available as a scan, CELT or the library can often help you obtain an accessible version.

3. Use Blackboard’s Built-In Accessibility Features

Blackboard Ultra includes tools and guidance that make it easier to create accessible content.

Try this:

• Use the Ally accessibility indicators (the colored gauges next to your files) to identify and fix issues in your uploaded documents.

• Format your text using Headings, Lists, and Alt Text instead of plain formatting. Use templates to make this easier. 

• Use Blackboard Pages (HTML content) instead of uploading Word or PDF files when easy. HTML adapts best for assistive technologies.

Explore more: Accessibility with Blackboard Ally (CELT KB page)

4. Caption Your Videos in ScreenPal, Zoom, or YouTube

Captions not only support students with hearing differences—they also help students who are English language learners, studying in noisy environments, or reviewing material.

Try this:

• In ScreenPal, add "voice-to-text" automatic captions after uploading your video. Review and edit for accuracy before publishing. 

• For Zoom recordings, turn on auto-captioning in your meeting settings and make sure captions are included when sharing recordings.

• When embedding videos in Blackboard, always include captions or a transcript link.

Explore more:   Caption Your Videos (CELT KB page)

Keep the Momentum Going

Accessibility work is ongoing. Each small improvement contributes to a more equitable learning environment for all students. Start with one or two of the actions above and build from there.

Don't forget to ask for help when needed.