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Your “Ally” in Blackboard: Latest Enhancements, Student Access, and the Spotlight on Title II

February 3, 2026 By Jacob Spradlin
An over-the-shoulder view of a person using a silver laptop on a black tablecloth. The person's left hand is on the trackpad. Another laptop and a person's hands are visible in the blurred background, suggesting a meeting or workspace environment.

As the April 2026 Title II compliance deadline approaches, ensuring accessibility in online courses has never been more critical. Anthology Ally for Blackboard (can be found under Books & Tools) continues to evolve, offering powerful tools that help faculty create inclusive learning environments while meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards. From quick Portable Document Format (PDF) fixes to AI-generated alt text and student-friendly alternative formats, these enhancements make accessibility simpler, faster, and more effective for everyone. 

Enhanced Instructor Remediation Tools: PDF Quick Fixes 

  • Released in Ally 2.16 (Aug 28, 2025), instructors now have built-in quick fixes for  missing PDF title, missing language metadata, and optical character recognition (OCR) for scanned PDFs.
  • These fixes occur directly in the Feedback Panel, updating the file in-course and avoiding storage duplication. 
  • The OCR quick fix offers a preview and ensures faculty control before replacing content. 
  • This transforms inaccessible PDFs, often a major barrier, into remediated, accessible versions without leaving Blackboard.

AI-Generated Alternative Text (Alt Text) & Complex Image Support 

  • Ally now uses AI-powered alt text generation to provide descriptions for images automatically, reducing instructor workload and improving accessibility for screen reader users. 
  • For complex images (charts, graphs, infographics), Ally offers enhanced workflows that allow instructors to review and refine AI-generated descriptions or add detailed explanations manually. This ensures compliance with WCAG standards and supports learners who rely on accurate contextual information. 

Student Access: Alternative Format Downloads

  • Ally automatically generates multiple alternative formats for students, including:  
  • Audio (MP3) 
  • HTML / mobile‑friendly HTML 
  • ePub 
  • Tagged PDFs 
  • Electronic braille 
  • Immersive Reader 
  • Translated versions 
  • BeeLine Reader 
  • Students simply click “Download Alternative Formats” beside a file in their course to access the version that best suits their needs. 

Why This Matters: Title II Deadline Approaching

  • Title II regulations from the U.S. Department of Justice require public institutions to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards by April 2026. 
  • PDFs are often inaccessible; with Ally’s remediation tools and broad format options, institutions can reduce legal risk, empower students with accessible content, ensure compliance in time for the deadline 

Next Steps

  • Sign-up for one of our Title II Accessibility: What it means for your Blackboard Course(s) webinars 
  • Attend one of our college-specific in-person Fix Your Course Content Day drop-in sessions on February 5 at 9-11 am and 1-3 pm.
  • Start making your course accessible for your students today!

Accessibility isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a commitment to access and student success. By leveraging Ally’s latest features, instructors can proactively address barriers and provide content that works for all learners. Don’t wait until April—start today by joining our Title II webinars, attending a Fix Your Course Content Day session, and exploring Ally’s tools in your Blackboard courses. Together, we can make accessibility a seamless part of teaching and learning at SHSU. 

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