What is Ally?
Ally checks the accessibility of all content uploaded to Canvas and all content created within Canvas (on pages, in assignments, etc.).
See also: the online course: Ally
If Ally finds that something can be improved, you will receive detailed feedback and assistance to enhance the content directly.
Ally indicates accessibility with a 'speedometer,' which you will see in many places in Canvas: By clicking on the speedometer, you gain access to the tool itself.
Additionally, Ally creates alternative formats from content in Canvas, so both instructors and students can read/listen/feel the content in the format that suits them best.
Ally for Improving Accessibility in Canvas
As an instructor, you will see an accessibility speedometer in several places in Canvas.
Pages
When you edit a page, you will see an Ally 'speedometer' indicating how universally designed your page is.
Click on the speedometer to access an Ally analysis of the content on the page and detailed assistance for making any changes directly.
You will find the same tool when editing announcements, assignments, and discussions.
Files
Under 'Files' in the course, as well as if you have added files directly into modules or within a page, you will see an Ally speedometer.
The color and arrow on the speedometer indicate the level of accessibility.
Click on the speedometer to access what needs to be changed to enhance accessibility and detailed assistance for making the changes directly.
Students will not see the speedometer.
Course Menu
In the course menu, you have a new item: 'Ally Course Accessibility Report.'
Click on this to receive a report on the accessibility of the entire course and detailed assistance for making the changes directly.
Students will not see this menu item.
Ally for Alternative Formats
All content in Canvas, including all uploaded materials, has a new icon for alternative formats
Click on the symbol and choose the format you want for the content. It can be, for example:
- An audio file
- Color coding for a better reading experience
- Readable text for screen readers
- Machine-translated version of the text
Students also have access to alternative formats for all pages in Canvas and for all uploaded documents.
More resources
Accessibility statement
You can find the accessibility statement for Canvas within the Canvas platform itself.
If you encounter specific challenges related to the universal design of resources,
- please contact us at canvas@uia.no
- visit Universal design at UiA
- or contact universell@uia.no
Universal design resources
Universell utforming av digitalt læringsmiljø – HK-dir (Norwegian only)
Autotekst – an automatic audio/video transcription service provided by UiO