Bb Ally is a tool that works within Canvas to help your instructors ensure their course content is accessible to all users, as recommended by the principles of universal design. When instructors incorporate universal design into their course it benefits not only students with particular disabilities, but also students without any disabilities by expanding the ways in which everyone can review and absorb course content. Bb Ally scans downloadable items including Word documents, PDFs, and more, providing a variety of alternative formats for each item. This allows you, the student, to access the course content using whichever file format is most user-friendly according to your individual accessibility needs or personal preferences.

Alternative file formats include:

• HTML, for viewing in internet browsers and on mobile devices
• ePub, for reading as an e-book on tablets and other e-book readers
• Electronic braille (BRF), for consumption on electronic braille displays
• MP3 audio files, for listening

How do I download the accessible formats generated by Ally?

1. Any time you encounter a downloadable item with a downward arrow next to it, simply click the downward arrow icon. Then, select Alternative Formats from the menu that appears.
   
   If you are accessing an item from the Modules page directly, simply open the downloadable item and select Alternative formats at the top of the page.
   
2. Select the radio button next to the file format you would like to download, then click the Download button in the lower right corner.
3. After a few minutes, you will be prompted to save the file or open it within a specific program. Specify your preference and click OK.
   

Additional Resources

• BB Ally Overview
• Ally Student FAQ
• Alternative formats in BB Ally
• Ally First Steps Guide