To learn about the Ally Accessibility, please review the links below. Don't have time to review the links below? Watch a 60 second video overview of Ally Alternative Formats in Brightspace:
How do alternative formats get created? Do instructors have to create alternative formats?
Where do alternative formats appear in the course?
Where can I learn more about alternative formats?
How do alternative formats get created? Do instructors have to create alternative formats?
- No, as an instructor you do not create the alternative format in the course. Ally will automatically do this for you and and make it available to students.
- When you add files or a page to your Brightspace course, Ally automatically generates alternative formats such as audio, ePub, electronic braille, and translated versions.
- Then, students can choose the format that best suits their needs. For example, if you uploaded a PDF file into your Brightspace course, Ally will provide this content in various alternative formats, such as an audio file, plain text, or HTML.
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Where do the alternative formats appear in the course?
- On each file uploaded into the course and page created in your course, an "A↓" icon will appear next to it. It will appear for you and your students.
- To access the alternative formats, students simply click on the "A↓" icon and select the alternative format that they want to use.
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Where can I learn more about alternative formats?
- Alternative Formats FAQs (e.g. alternative format types, what does file format does Ally create alternative formats for?, file size limit)
- How to disable alternative format for a specific file
- Additional information on alternative formats
- Note about Alternative Formats:
- Using Ally is a strong step toward improving access, but it does not replace the need to remediate original PDFs. Ally creates alternative formats based on the source file, so if a PDF lacks proper structure (headings, readable text, or image descriptions), those issues often persist in the converted versions. While these alternatives can be helpful, they are not always equivalent in quality or usability, and not all students will choose or know to use them.
Providing an accessible original file ensures that all students begin with a clear, navigable, and usable resource from the start. Remediating PDFs also reflects Villanova's broader commitment to caritas by supporting equity, independence, and a more consistent learning experience. In this context, Ally complements thoughtful course design by expanding access options, while accessible source materials provide a clear and consistent foundation for student learning.
Please find guidance for PDF remediation under "How can I improve the accessibility score?" in the "Ally-Accessibility Score" section.
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