Improving Digital Course Content Accessibility
Accessibility Matters: Strive for 85
The Strive for 85 initiative offers support and resources for instructors to use Blackboard Ally to improve the accessibility of digital course materials, enhance teaching, and create inclusive learning experiences.
W&M is currently striving to meet federal digital accessibility standards by April 2026. One important step in this process is ensuring that course content in Blackboard is accessible for students. The university’s goal is to achieve an 85% institutional accessibility score in Blackboard Ally within 2025. Strive for 85 encourages instructors using Blackboard Ultra to work toward an individual Ally score of at least 85% as well.
Bookmark this page for resources targeted toward creating supportive learning environments where every student feels valued and included in their educational journey: quick links to accessibility guidance, hands-on workshops with colleagues from W&M Libraries and STLI, and regular updates on W&M’s progress toward 100% compliance.
Updates
Spring 2025: W&M's current progress shows a 60% institutional score for accessibility — a great start knowing course materials will be uploaded over the course of the semester.
Helpful resources to get you started
Step 1: Open Your Blackboard Ally Accessibility Report
- Visit W&M IT’s Blackboard Ally site to learn how you can use Ally to receive insight on the accessibility of your digital course content and view Ally’s step-by-step instructions for improvement.
Step 2: Attend Hands-on Training
- Attend an event for hands-on training and support for instructors. Keep an eye on our events calendar for Workshop: Ally for Accessibility hosted by STLI and W&M Libraries, which occures monthly.
Step 3: Dig Deeper into Online Guidance
- Explore guidance from STLI for applying accessible teaching practices.
- View IT’s Technology Tips for Faculty, a hub of information to help instructors get started in the classroom.
- Check out the Accessibility section of IT’s Blackboard Ultra Guides for on-demand training.
