Ally for Web

Ally increases accessibility for websites. It is a feature on websites in KU’s Content Management System (CMS) Sunflower.

Ally Makes Websites More Accessible

Providing web pages and documents in alternative formats to site visitors:

  • Ally allows visitors to download any web page or attached documents on a website in several alternative formats.
  • Alternative formats include readable text for screen readers, pictures with captions, and easy-to-navigate content. Ally creates multiple alternatives from the original content on a site. You can download these alternative formats from any page.

Alternative Formats

Access the information you need, the way you need it.

Have you ever accessed content that was difficult to read, or you wish came in a different format? Now, KU uses Blackboard Ally, you can download alternative formats directly from the website.

A screenshot showing the alternate formats available with Ally

Alternative formats provide greater opportunity for everyone to access the information they need in the way they need or want it. 

Alternative formats aren't just for a select group of people. Alternative formats benefit everyone. For example, maybe you have a lot of material to read and get eye strain, or maybe you prefer to listen. Listen to an audio format of the file instead.

Don’t stick to just one format! Use as many formats as you want.

Choose the format, or formats, that best suit your needs.

Find the available alternative formats

Ally creates alternative formats of website pages and files based on the originals. For example, if the original content is a PDF, Ally creates audio, electronic braille, and ePub formats of the same content. These formats are made available with the original content so everything is in one convenient location.

The alternative formats created depend on the original content type. If you don't see an option to download alternative formats, Ally isn’t enabled for that website or the file is not a supported content type.

Look for the Download Alternative Formats icon. You'll find the icon on the right side or along the bottom of the page.

Select a format for the whole page or for individual files on the page. A list of available formats appears to choose from.

Screen capture showing the Ally for Web icon

Audio

MP3 version for listening

The audio alternative reads aloud the text in the original content. This also includes alternative descriptions for images, if they are provided.

The audio format is saved as an MP3. MP3s are compressed, high-quality sound files that can be played on any computer or mobile device.

Why use audio?

Not only does audio benefit individuals with visual impairments, research has also proven that audio can increase learning (Boyle et al., 2003).

Maybe these sound like you. If so, audio is a good option.

  • You prefer to listen than read.
  • You’re an auditory learner.
  • You want to read and listen to the content at the same time.
  • You have a lot of material to read and find your eyes get tired.
  • You read on your commute.
  • You don’t want to, or can’t, carry print materials for any length of time.
  • You have a visual impairment.
  • You want to adjust the speed of the audio.

Electronic braille

BRF version for consumption on electronic braille displays

The electronic braille alternative creates a BRF file that can be read on a refreshable Braille display (RBD), other Braille reading devices, or within a Braille software like Duxbury. 

Think of a Refreshable Braille Display (RBD) as a monitor-less computer. Most RBDs can connect to internet, create documents, access calendar, and a lot of the basic functionality a computer provides. RBDs can be a standalone device. They can also be connected to a smartphone, iPad, or laptop. Most RBDs are limited to reading one line of Braille at a time.

Why use electronic braille?

While audio is excellent for reading comprehension, those who read braille acquire higher literacy rates on average (Benefits of braille article). With braille, users with visual impairments can know the spelling, punctuation, and format of text on a page.

Maybe these sound like you. If so, electronic braille is a good option.

  • You have a visual impairment.
  • You are familiar with braille.
  • You prefer to read.
  • You want to read and listen to the content at the same time.

ePub

For reading as an e-book on an iPad and other e-book readers

Here are a few suggested apps for ePubs.

Why use ePub?

ePub is powerful. With it, readers can take notes, highlight content, adjust text and background, and in some cases use text-to-speech.

Maybe these sound like you. If so, ePub is a good option.

  • You want to adjust font size and background color.
  • You want to highlight content, take notes, and bookmark important pages.
  • You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text.
  • You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech.
  • You prefer to read.
  • You read on your commute.

BeeLine Reader

Enhanced version for easier and faster on-screen reading

BeeLine Reader makes reading on screen easier and faster. Instead of using plain black text, BeeLine Reader displays text using a subtle color gradient that helps pull your eye through your readings. This new display format has been honored by the United Nations and is used by readers in 120 countries around the world.

Why use BeeLine Reader?

BeeLine Reader's color gradient technique not only increases reading speed but also enhances focus. BeeLine Reader is popular among undergraduate and graduate students with heavy reading loads. This includes programs like law, medicine, and the humanities. BeeLine Reader's approach also benefits people with dyslexia, ADHD, low vision, and anybody who may have difficulty with visual tracking or focus.

Maybe these sound like you. If so, BeeLine Reader is a good option.

  • You read a lot on screen and wish you could read more easily and quickly.
  • You read on your commute and find reading in this environment difficult.
  • You prefer to read.
  • You have a lot of material to read and find your eyes get tired.
  • You read late at night, when your eyes are tired.
  • You want to be able to read the content faster.
  • You experience dyslexia, ADHD, or low vision.
  • You have difficulty with visual tracking or focus.

HTML

For viewing in the browser and on mobile devices

What is HTML? Tags and elements—such as blockquote, paragraph, and headings—are added to add meaning to a page. These tag and elements aid screen reader users with good content structure.

HTML is viewed in a browser and adapts to the device you are viewing it on.

Why use HTML?

HTML is ideal when the content has complex layouts.

Maybe these sound like you. If so, HTML is a good option.

  • You want to adjust font size and background color.
  • You want to highlight content, take notes, and bookmark important pages.
  • You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text.
  • You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech.
  • You prefer to read.
  • You use a screen reader.