Creating Accessible Content in Blackboard Ultra

Why Content Structure Matters

When creating course materials in Blackboard Ultra, accessibility is not only about the tools used in the LMS—it is largely determined by how course content is structured and formatted.

Proper structure helps ensure that all students, including those using assistive technologies such as screen readers, can navigate course materials easily and understand the organization of the page.

Well-structured content improves usability for all learners, not just those using accessibility tools.

Common Accessibility Issues in Blackboard Courses

Many accessibility barriers occur not because of Blackboard itself, but because of how materials are uploaded or formatted. The following are some of the most common issues and how to avoid them.

1. Lack of Headings and Content Structure

Students who use screen readers navigate pages using headings and structure, rather than visual layout.

When content is pasted into Blackboard without headings, it may appear organized visually but will be difficult for screen readers to interpret.

Example of Poor Structure

Week 3 Lecture
Today we will discuss climate systems and atmospheric patterns.
Next we will review key concepts.
Assignment Instructions

To a screen reader, this appears as one long block of text.

Recommended Approach

Use Blackboard’s heading styles to organize content clearly.

Example:

Heading 2: Week 3 Lecture

Heading 3: Climate Systems
Paragraph text

Heading 3: Key Concepts
Bullet list

Heading 3: Assignment Instructions

This allows students using assistive technology to jump between sections quickly and understand the structure of the page.

2. Uploading Scanned PDFs

Many PDF files are created by scanning paper documents. These files often contain images of text rather than selectable text, which means screen readers cannot read them.

Signs a PDF may not be accessible

  • Text cannot be highlighted or copied

  • The document was scanned from paper

  • Blackboard Ally flags the file as inaccessible

Recommended Approach

Whenever possible:

  • Upload documents created digitally (Word, Google Docs, etc.)

  • Export PDFs directly from Word or other authoring tools

  • Use OCR tools to convert scanned PDFs into readable text

Accessible documents provide a much better experience for all students.

3. Non-Descriptive Links

Links that say “Click here” or “Read more” can be confusing for students using screen readers who navigate pages by scanning links.

Example of a Poor Link

Click here to read the article.

A screen reader user may hear:

Link
Link
Link

with no meaningful context.

Recommended Approach

Write links that clearly describe their destination. Instead, your text should read Read the article: Climate Change and Ocean Currents

Example:

Read the article: Climate Change and Ocean Currents

Descriptive links help all students understand what they are selecting.

Using the “Convert a Document” Tool in Blackboard Ultra

Blackboard Ultra provides add a Document, Convert a File option that allows instructors to upload a Word, PDF, or PowerPoint file and convert it into an editable Blackboard document. Read more:  Blackboard Ultra Instructor Help about Adding Content

Converting documents into Blackboard content improves accessibility and helps ensure materials display well across devices.

Benefits of converting documents

Converting files into Blackboard content can:

  • Improve screen reader navigation

  • Allow instructors to apply headings and structure

  • Reduce the need for students to download files

  • Improve viewing on mobile devices

Recommended Workflow

  1. Create a new Document in your course.

  2. Select Convert a file.

  3. Upload your Word, PDF, or PowerPoint document.

  4. Review the converted content.

  5. Apply headings and formatting where needed.

After conversion, review the document to ensure the structure and formatting are clear.

Using Blackboard Ally to Check Accessibility

Blackboard Ally is integrated into Blackboard Ultra and helps instructors identify and improve accessibility issues in course materials.

Ally scans uploaded files and displays an accessibility score indicator next to each item.

Ally score indicators

Each item receives a color-coded score:

  • Green – High accessibility

  • Yellow – Needs improvement

  • Red – Significant accessibility issues

How to use Ally

  1. Locate the Ally accessibility indicator next to a file.

  2. Select the indicator to open the Ally feedback panel.

  3. Review the issues identified.

  4. Follow the recommended steps to improve the file.

  5. Upload the improved version to update the score.

Ally also provides alternative formats for students automatically, including:

  • HTML versions

  • Audio versions

  • Tagged PDFs

  • Electronic braille

These formats help make course materials accessible to a wider range of learners.

Blackboard Features and Accessibility

Some Blackboard Ultra features are occasionally misunderstood in relation to accessibility.

Progress Tracking

Progress Tracking allows students to mark items as complete and monitor their progress through course materials. This feature is informational and generally accessible.

Learning Modules

Learning Modules are accessible containers used to organize course materials into structured units.

Sequential Content Release

Instructors can require students to complete one item before accessing the next. While this may be useful in some cases, it can create navigation challenges for some learners. Sequential release should be used only when it is pedagogically necessary.

Best Practices for Accessible Course Content

To create accessible course materials in Blackboard Ultra:

  • Use heading styles to structure content

  • Use bullet lists or numbered lists when appropriate

  • Provide clear and descriptive links

  • Avoid uploading scanned PDFs

  • Add alt text to images

  • Ensure videos include captions

  • Review files using Blackboard Ally

Following these practices helps ensure course materials are usable for all students and supports compliance with accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1.

Need Help?

If you would like assistance reviewing course materials for accessibility or learning how to structure content in Blackboard Ultra, please contact:

Online Learning & Technology (OLT)
Community College of Rhode Island

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