This is your one‑stop guide to VCSU’s accessibility tools, best practices, and faculty training resources. Start by exploring the Core Topics of Accessibility; the foundation for creating inclusive content. By applying these principles, we can enhance digital accessibility across campus and ensure our materials meet WCAG standards.


Ally

What it is: Integrates with Blackboard Ultra to assess WYSIWYG content and files (Word, PowerPoint, PDF). Assigns each file an accessibility score, provides alternative formats (HTML, audio, tagged PDF), and step-by-step remediation guidance.

Practical Applications

  • Run a semester-start scan to pinpoint and prioritize fixes.
  • Track your course’s overall accessibility score over time.
  • Offer students alternate formats (HTML, audio, tagged PDF) for flexible access.


Best Practices

  • Use semantic headings (Heading 1–3) for logical structure.
  • Add meaningful alt text to all images and multimedia.
  • Batch-process the lowest-scoring files first for maximum impact.
  • Place “Download Alternative Formats” links prominently.
  • Use clear, consistent file names (e.g., Module1_Slides.pdf).
  • Share your term-start accessibility goals with students and colleagues.


Resources


Blackboard Ultra

What it is: VCSU’s next-generation LMS with built-in formatting tools, semantic markup (headings, lists, tables), and screen-reader-friendly navigation. Ally checks flag issues and suggest fixes directly in the editor.

Practical Applications

  • Conditional Release: Reveal content only after students complete prerequisites to reduce cognitive load.
  • Accessible Assessments: Build metadata-tagged quizzes with clear instructions for screen readers.
  • Discussion & Collaboration: Enable threaded discussions and captioned Collaborate Ultra sessions.
  • Integrated Media: Embed captioned videos and use Media Comments for accessible feedback.
  • Template Reuse: Copy an accessible course template (headings, alt text, ARIA landmarks) each semester.
  • Analytics & Intervention: Use the Gradebook and Performance Dashboard to support at-risk students.
  • Mobile Access: Rely on Ultra’s responsive design for phones and tablets.


Best Practices

  • Use Ultra’s accessible quiz and discussion templates.
  • Avoid untagged PDFs.
  • Create content in the WYSIWYG editor.
  • Use descriptive link text (e.g., “Download Syllabus PDF”).
  • Number modules consistently (Module 1, Module 2…).
  • Keep an accurate gradebook: Provide your students with an accurate, up to date reflection of how they are doing in their course.


Resources


YuJa

What it is: VCSU’s video hosting platform with automated captioning and transcript generation. Captions appear within minutes; instructors refine them in the Video Editor.

Practical Applications

  • Lecture Capture: Upload lectures and get captions instantly.
  • Student Submissions: Require captioned student videos to ensure accessibility.
  • Course Libraries: Organize videos into playlists with searchable transcripts.


Best Practices

  • Edit auto-generated captions before sharing.
  • Add chapter markers for long videos.
  • Embed videos directly in Blackboard Ultra.
  • Provide downloadable transcripts alongside videos.


Resources


Microsoft Office 365

What it is: Free to all VCSU users, Office 365 is a suite of desktop and web apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, OneDrive, Stream) with built-in accessibility tools.

Accessibility Checker

  • Application: Run in Word or PowerPoint before sharing to catch missing alt text, contrast issues, and structure errors.
  • Best Practice: Resolve Errors first, then Warnings and Tips.
  • Resource: Accessibility Checker Guide


Read Aloud & Immersive Reader

  • Application: Listen to draft instructions or policy updates in Word or OneNote to catch unclear phrasing.
  • Best Practice: Customize voice, speed, and focus modes for your preferences.
  • Resource: Immersive Reader Guide


Dictation

  • Application: Dictate announcements or discussion prompts in Outlook or Word, then refine the transcript.
  • Best Practice: Speak punctuation commands (e.g., “period,” “new line”) and proofread.
  • Resource: Dictation Guide


Live Captions and Subtitles

  • Application: Enable subtitles in PowerPoint and Teams; use Stream’s record feature for auto-captions.
  • Best Practice: Test and edit captions before sessions.
  • Resource: Live Captions in Teams Guide


Low-Use and Phased-Out Platforms

  • VoiceThread: Paid auto-caption add-on; manual uploads. Recommendation: Migrate to YuJa or Teams.
  • Collaborate/Web Classrooms: Manual live captioning only. Recommendation: Use YuJa or PowerPoint recordings.


Adobe Acrobat Enterprise

What it is: Campus-wide PDF remediation solution offering tagging, form creation, batch workflows, and compliance reporting.

Practical Applications

  • Batch-process PDFs with Action Wizard (“Add Tags,” “Set Alt Text,” “Fix Reading Order”).
  • Use TouchUp Reading Order for complex layouts.
  • Create fillable, tagged PDF forms.