Ally Resource Guide

At FSU, we're committed to a quality learning experience for all students. When course content is accessible, everyone benefits, not just those with disabilities. With Ally, you've got a tool that simplifies the process of converting course materials into formats all students can access. Ally works in Canvas to improve the accessibility of your course and make inclusive design more attainable. 

What does Ally do?

  • Scans pages, documents, images, and more
  • Scores content for accessibility and makes automated corrections where possible 
  • Provides easy-to-follow options for addressing inaccessible files
  • Automatically generates alternative formats for student to access 
  • Supports FSU's commitment to a quality, inclusive learning experience for all

 

 

Below you'll find links to several resources designed to help you integrate Ally into your course design process. In addition to these, be sure to register for one of our Ally webinars. You'll get hands-on tips for using Ally and making your course materials more accessible. 

Overview

Browse Ally's key features and link to additional information and resources.

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FAQ

View frequently asked questions about Ally and what students can and can't see.

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Easy Fixes

Check out simple ways to get started and immediately increase course accessibility.

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File Formats

Need to address an inaccessible course file? Learn how to make files accessible.

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Libraries

Get help from FSU Libraries to locate and support accessible course materials.

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Webinars

Register now and learn how to use Ally to make your course content accessible.

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Benefits of Accessible Course Content

In many cases, improving the accessibility of course content benefits all students, including those without a disability. Accessibility is often closely connected to the quality and usability of the course materials. The following information is reprinted from Ally’s Instructor FAQs webpage.

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Properly Scanned Documents

Having a proper digital copy of a document instead of a scan makes the document more usable for all students. It might make the document easier to read, especially for low-quality scans, and it also allows students to search through the document and find specific content, copy and paste sections of the document, and so on.


Alternative Formats

The Semantic HTML alternative format is fully responsive and mobile-friendly and makes it easier for all students to consume to content on their mobile device. The ePub alternative format makes it easy to change the visual display of a document and allows for annotations and highlighting to be added. The audio alternative format can be used during a commute, on a run, etc. The translated version alternative format can help second language students.


Captioned Video

Having a video with captioning or a transcript will make the video more usable for all students. It allows the student to search through the video and find specific parts, the video can still be watched in high-noise environment (for example, commuting), and so on.


Image Descriptions

Having an image with a quality description can make the image more usable for all students. It can help clarify the content of the image and how it connects to the surrounding context, make the image searchable, and so on.


Document Headings

Providing a good heading structure for a long document makes the document more usable for all students. It provides additional structure, which makes it easier to work through and process the content. It also allows for a table of contents to be generated, which can improve the navigability of the document.


 

Accessible Content Benefits Everyone!

Alternative formats aren't limited to a select few. Students with undiagnosed disabilities, ESL learners, students prone to eye strain, and those who prefer having multiple ways to review course content all benefit when course materials are offered in a variety of formats.

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Flexibility

Students can use downtime (like their commute to class) for listening to and reviewing course materials.

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Portability

Mobile-friendly content helps students access content from any location, without the need for computer or internet. 

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Adaptability

Auditory learners and students with a first language other than English can listen to text, not just read it.