About
Ally automatically converts course files uploaded into D2L Brightspace into various accessible alternative formats. This guide walks through the available format types, how to access and download them, and key processing notes. Select each dropdown checklist item to learn more.
Any file uploaded into D2L that is supported by Ally will display an alternative format icon or dropdown next to it. To access these alternative formats, follow these instructions.
The alternative format will be download to your device. Go to your downloads to access the file.
- Tagged PDF: Structured for screen readers, improved navigation, and order reading.
- OCR PDF: Applied to scanned documents to make image-based text selectable, searchable, and screen-reader accessible.
- Semantic HTML: Opens in a web browser; fully responsive and custom-tailored for mobile devices without horizontal scrolling.
- ePub: Ideal for reading on tablets, mobile devices, or e-readers (allows font resizing, highlighting, and reflow).
- Electronic Braille: Generates a BRF file for electronic Braille displays.
- Audio (MP3): Converts text to speech using natural-sounding audio for listening.
- BeeLine Reader: Adds a subtle color gradient to text to guide eyes through lines faster and reduce visual fatigue.
- Immersive Reader: Integrates Microsoft Immersive Reader for customized font sizes, line spacing, grammar highlights, and text-to-speech.
Understanding how Ally appears to students ensures seamless support and clear expectations.
Key Student View Highlights:
- No "Accessibility Indicators": Students do not see accessibility score meters (the red/orange/green dials). Those are reserved exclusively for instructors and administrators.
- Seamless Download Experience: Students experience zero delay—alternative formats are generated on demand and stored in cache for fast access. Students have the Alternative Formats button at the bottom of each content file page.
- Privacy & Inclusion: No student needs to disclose a disability or request accommodations to access these files; alternative formats are available to all enrolled students by default.
Include a brief explanation of alternative formats in your course syllabus:
"Course materials in this class are processed using Ally to provide flexible alternative formats (Audio, ePub, HTML, BeeLine Reader, etc.). You can download these formats by selecting the Alternative Formats icon next to any document in our course site."
Post an announcement or create a short video demonstrating how to download an Audio (MP3) or Semantic HTML file.
Highlight practical use-cases: listening to course readings on a commute, reading ePub files on a phone, or using BeeLine Reader for long reading assignments.
Emphasize that alternative formats are not just for students with registered accommodations—they benefit all learning preferences, study environments, and devices.
You are done. Great job!
Elizabeth Galvin
Forgive me, this is new to me. All links have been checked, I believe I have made myself accessible enough to my students.
Lucy Chester
Great new Elizabeth! No worries, this is a new process for most! If you have any issues or need support in making your D2L course accessible, please don't hesitate to email [email protected].