Digital Accessibility Support for Faculty
This is your one‑stop guide to VCSU’s accessibility tools, best practices, and faculty training resources. Start by exploring the Core Topics of Accessibility; the foundation for creating inclusive content. By applying these principles, we can enhance digital accessibility across campus and ensure our materials meet WCAG standards.
Ally
What it is: Integrates with Blackboard Ultra to assess WYSIWYG content and files (Word, PowerPoint, PDF). Assigns each file an accessibility score, provides alternative formats (HTML, audio, tagged PDF), and step-by-step remediation guidance.
Practical Applications
- Run a semester-start scan to pinpoint and prioritize fixes.
- Track your course’s overall accessibility score over time.
- Offer students alternate formats (HTML, audio, tagged PDF) for flexible access.
Best Practices
- Use semantic headings (Heading 1–3) for logical structure.
- Add meaningful alt text to all images and multimedia.
- Batch-process the lowest-scoring files first for maximum impact.
- Place “Download Alternative Formats” links prominently.
- Use clear, consistent file names (e.g.,
Module1_Slides.pdf).
- Share your term-start accessibility goals with students and colleagues.
Resources
Blackboard Ultra
What it is: VCSU’s next-generation LMS with built-in formatting tools, semantic markup (headings, lists, tables), and screen-reader-friendly navigation. Ally checks flag issues and suggest fixes directly in the editor.
Practical Applications
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Conditional Release: Reveal content only after students complete prerequisites to reduce cognitive load.
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Accessible Assessments: Build metadata-tagged quizzes with clear instructions for screen readers.
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Discussion & Collaboration: Enable threaded discussions and captioned Collaborate Ultra sessions.
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Integrated Media: Embed captioned videos and use Media Comments for accessible feedback.
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Template Reuse: Copy an accessible course template (headings, alt text, ARIA landmarks) each semester.
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Analytics & Intervention: Use the Gradebook and Performance Dashboard to support at-risk students.
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Mobile Access: Rely on Ultra’s responsive design for phones and tablets.
Best Practices
- Use Ultra’s accessible quiz and discussion templates.
- Avoid untagged PDFs.
- Create content in the WYSIWYG editor.
- Use descriptive link text (e.g., “Download Syllabus PDF”).
- Number modules consistently (Module 1, Module 2…).
- Keep an accurate gradebook: Provide your students with an accurate, up to date reflection of how they are doing in their course.
Resources
YuJa
What it is: VCSU’s video hosting platform with automated captioning and transcript generation. Captions appear within minutes; instructors refine them in the Video Editor.
Practical Applications
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Lecture Capture: Upload lectures and get captions instantly.
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Student Submissions: Require captioned student videos to ensure accessibility.
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Course Libraries: Organize videos into playlists with searchable transcripts.
Best Practices
- Edit auto-generated captions before sharing.
- Add chapter markers for long videos.
- Embed videos directly in Blackboard Ultra.
- Provide downloadable transcripts alongside videos.
Resources
Microsoft Office 365
What it is: Free to all VCSU users, Office 365 is a suite of desktop and web apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, OneDrive, Stream) with built-in accessibility tools.
Accessibility Checker
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Application: Run in Word or PowerPoint before sharing to catch missing alt text, contrast issues, and structure errors.
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Best Practice: Resolve Errors first, then Warnings and Tips.
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Resource: Accessibility Checker Guide
Read Aloud & Immersive Reader
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Application: Listen to draft instructions or policy updates in Word or OneNote to catch unclear phrasing.
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Best Practice: Customize voice, speed, and focus modes for your preferences.
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Resource: Immersive Reader Guide
Dictation
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Application: Dictate announcements or discussion prompts in Outlook or Word, then refine the transcript.
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Best Practice: Speak punctuation commands (e.g., “period,” “new line”) and proofread.
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Resource: Dictation Guide
Live Captions and Subtitles
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Application: Enable subtitles in PowerPoint and Teams; use Stream’s record feature for auto-captions.
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Best Practice: Test and edit captions before sessions.
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Resource: Live Captions in Teams Guide
Low-Use and Phased-Out Platforms
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VoiceThread: Paid auto-caption add-on; manual uploads. Recommendation: Migrate to YuJa or Teams.
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Collaborate/Web Classrooms: Manual live captioning only. Recommendation: Use YuJa or PowerPoint recordings.
Adobe Acrobat Enterprise
What it is: Campus-wide PDF remediation solution offering tagging, form creation, batch workflows, and compliance reporting.
Practical Applications
- Batch-process PDFs with Action Wizard (“Add Tags,” “Set Alt Text,” “Fix Reading Order”).
- Use TouchUp Reading Order for complex layouts.
- Create fillable, tagged PDF forms.