{"id":10530,"date":"2025-06-16T07:34:25","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T11:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/?page_id=10530"},"modified":"2026-03-23T15:29:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T19:29:19","slug":"accessibility","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/programs-services\/academic-technology\/ultra\/accessibility\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Features: Accessibility"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"intro-text intro-text--shortcode intro-text--lg\">\n<p>Accessibility is not just a technical requirement; it is a foundational element of inclusive teaching. Blackboard Ultra\u2019s accessibility features are designed to support diverse learners by removing barriers that can impede engagement and comprehension. When course content is accessible, all students are empowered to participate fully and equitably in the learning process.<\/p>\n<p>Instructors can uphold essential accessibility standards by integrating inclusive design principles into their course development. This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>using images with meaningful alternative text to support screen reader users<\/li>\n<li>uploading documents that are properly structured with titles and formatting tags for easier navigation<\/li>\n<li>providing clear descriptions for all content items to enhance context and clarity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Pedagogical Benefits<\/h4>\n<p>\t\t<div class=\"bulp-section-content__block bulp-section-content__block--shortcode \" data-block-offset data-block-grid data-block-grid-columns=2>\n\t\t\t\n\n<article\n\tclass=\"bulp-promo \"\n\t data-promo-style=media\t>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"bulp-promo__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bulp-promo__content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<h3 class=\"heading bulp-promo__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"heading__spanbulp-promo__title-span\">\n\t\t\t\tEquitable Access\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"rich-text bulp-promo__description\">\n\t<p>Ensures all students, mindful of ability, can engage with course materials meaningfully.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n<div\n\tclass=\"media media--image bulp-promo__media\"\n\tstyle=\"--media-object-position:50% 50%;\"\n>\n\t\t\t<picture class=\"media__picture \">\n\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\tsrc=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2158200539-150x150.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"lazyload media__img bulp-promo__image bulp-promo__area1-image media--fit-cover\"\n\t\t\t\talt=\"Asian woman with blindness disability using computer with refreshable braille display or braille terminal a technology assistive device for persons with visual impairment in workplace.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2158200539-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2158200539-636x636.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2158200539-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2158200539-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2158200539-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2158200539-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2158200539-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2158200539-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2158200539-550x550.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2158200539-710x710.jpg 710w\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-sizes=\"auto\"\n\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t<\/picture>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n\n\n<article\n\tclass=\"bulp-promo \"\n\t data-promo-style=media\t>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"bulp-promo__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bulp-promo__content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<h3 class=\"heading bulp-promo__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"heading__spanbulp-promo__title-span\">\n\t\t\t\tImproved Comprehension\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"rich-text bulp-promo__description\">\n\t<p>Alternative text and clear descriptions support diverse learning styles and cognitive needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n<div\n\tclass=\"media media--image bulp-promo__media\"\n\tstyle=\"--media-object-position:50% 50%;\"\n>\n\t\t\t<picture class=\"media__picture \">\n\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\tsrc=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2055519566-150x150.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"lazyload media__img bulp-promo__image bulp-promo__area1-image media--fit-cover\"\n\t\t\t\talt=\"Two paper circles with a pattern of confusion on one and a clear line on the other. A person chooses clarity of thinking\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2055519566-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2055519566-636x636.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2055519566-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2055519566-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2055519566-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2055519566-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2055519566-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2055519566-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2055519566-550x550.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2055519566-710x710.jpg 710w\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-sizes=\"auto\"\n\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t<\/picture>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n\n\n<article\n\tclass=\"bulp-promo \"\n\t data-promo-style=media\t>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"bulp-promo__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bulp-promo__content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<h3 class=\"heading bulp-promo__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"heading__spanbulp-promo__title-span\">\n\t\t\t\tEnhanced Engagement\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"rich-text bulp-promo__description\">\n\t<p>Accessible content fosters a more inclusive environment, encouraging participation from all learners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n<div\n\tclass=\"media media--image bulp-promo__media\"\n\tstyle=\"--media-object-position:50% 50%;\"\n>\n\t\t\t<picture class=\"media__picture \">\n\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\tsrc=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_427333528-150x150.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"lazyload media__img bulp-promo__image bulp-promo__area1-image media--fit-cover\"\n\t\t\t\talt=\"A group of students sits around a circular table, engaging in lively discussion. They have notebooks, tablets, and papers, conveying collaboration.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_427333528-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_427333528-636x636.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_427333528-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_427333528-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_427333528-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_427333528-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_427333528-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_427333528-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_427333528-550x550.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_427333528-710x710.jpg 710w\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-sizes=\"auto\"\n\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t<\/picture>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n\n\n<article\n\tclass=\"bulp-promo \"\n\t data-promo-style=media\t>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"bulp-promo__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bulp-promo__content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<h3 class=\"heading bulp-promo__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"heading__spanbulp-promo__title-span\">\n\t\t\t\tBetter Learning Outcomes\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"rich-text bulp-promo__description\">\n\t<p>Removing barriers helps students focus on content, not navigation, leading to deeper understanding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n<div\n\tclass=\"media media--image bulp-promo__media\"\n\tstyle=\"--media-object-position:50% 50%;\"\n>\n\t\t\t<picture class=\"media__picture \">\n\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\tsrc=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_524512270-150x150.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"lazyload media__img bulp-promo__image bulp-promo__area1-image media--fit-cover\"\n\t\t\t\talt=\"Close up shot of young woman writing notes with classmates studying in background. Students learning in college library.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_524512270-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_524512270-636x636.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_524512270-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_524512270-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_524512270-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_524512270-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_524512270-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_524512270-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_524512270-550x550.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_524512270-710x710.jpg 710w\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-sizes=\"auto\"\n\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t<\/picture>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/p>\n<p>Blackboard Ultra\u2019s accessibility features empower instructors to design inclusive, learner-centered environments. Tools like keyboard navigation, alt text, content descriptions, and Blackboard Ally support equitable access and enhance engagement for all students.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Keyboard Navigation<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2393924133-636x424.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"636\" height=\"424\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10820 alignright\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2393924133-636x424.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2393924133-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2393924133-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2393924133-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2393924133-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/>Blackboard Ultra is fully optimized for keyboard navigation, ensuring that both instructors and students can interact with course content without relying on a mouse. This feature supports learners with motor impairments and enhances usability for all users by enabling efficient, streamlined navigation during both course creation and participation.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Alternative Text for Images<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2518340963-636x382.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"636\" height=\"382\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10821\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2518340963-636x382.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2518340963-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2518340963-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2518340963-1536x922.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2518340963-2048x1229.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/>When adding images to your course, such as banners or instructional visuals, Blackboard Ultra prompts instructors to include alternative text (alt text). Alt text serves as a textual representation of visual content, which is essential for students using screen readers. Beyond accessibility, well-crafted image descriptions can enrich the learning experience by offering additional context and reinforcing key concepts for all students.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Content Item Descriptions<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2258709437-636x398.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"636\" height=\"398\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10823 alignright\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2258709437-636x398.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2258709437-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2258709437-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2258709437-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2258709437-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/>Providing descriptions for content items is a simple yet powerful way to enhance clarity and engagement. These descriptions help students understand the purpose of each item, set expectations, and improve their ability to locate and recall course materials.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Blackboard Ally<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/courses-feature-if-indicators.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"492\" height=\"492\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10822\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/courses-feature-if-indicators.png 492w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/courses-feature-if-indicators-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/files\/2025\/06\/courses-feature-if-indicators-300x300.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 492px) 100vw, 492px\" \/>Blackboard Ally is an integrated accessibility tool within Blackboard that helps instructors create more inclusive content. As you build your course, Ally provides real-time feedback through visual indicators (gauge icons) on images and files. A red or low gauge signals accessibility issues that need attention. By addressing these prompts, you can ensure your materials are more usable and effective for all learners.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Now that you&#8217;ve learned a little bit about course management in Ultra, check out more key features of Blackboard Ultra!<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"actions actions--shortcode\" data-actions-align=\"center\">\n\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--shortcode theme--orangutan button--has-icon\"\n\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/ultra\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"button__text\">Learn More<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"button__icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg\n\tclass=\"icon icon--icon-arrow  icon--md\"\n\theight=\"18\"\n\twidth=\"18\"\n\tstyle=\"--icon-ratio: var(--icon-arrow-ratio, auto);\"\n>\n\t<use href=\"#icon-arrow\" \/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n<\/div><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":22504,"featured_media":0,"parent":10332,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/no-sidebars.php","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10530"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22504"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10530"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10530\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13568,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10530\/revisions\/13568"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10332"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}