Blackboard Introduces Web Accessibility Checker

hands typing on laptop computer

Blackboard today launched Blackboard Ally for Web, a solution for assessing and improving the accessibility of institutions' websites. The tool expands on Blackboard's Ally product (introduced last year), which focuses on the accessibility of course materials in learning management systems.

"Blackboard Ally for Web integrates with a website's content management system and scans website pages and embedded media for a range of accessibility issues based on key areas of the WCAG 2.0 AA Standard," the company explained in a news announcement. Reporting tools allow web administrators to view a site's overall accessibility score, trends over time, domain-specific data and more. Accessibility issues are organized by severity level, allowing users to "prioritize key areas of focus and deploy resources to the most affected areas."

"Accessible websites create a better online experience for everyone, but we know it can be difficult for organizations and institutions to see how they are doing when it comes to web accessibility," said Katie Blot, chief strategy and portfolio officer at Blackboard, in a statement. "We look forward to working with clients worldwide to help them incorporate accessible practices into their websites, so that they're providing a high quality and inclusive online experience."

For more information, go to the Blackboard site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • laptop displaying a glowing digital brain and data charts sits on a metal shelf in a well-lit server room with organized network cables and active servers

    Cisco Unveils AI-First Approach to IT Operations

    At its recent Cisco Live 2025 event, Cisco introduced AgenticOps, a transformative approach to IT operations that integrates advanced AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and collaboration across network, security, and application domains.

  • sunlit classroom with laptops on every desk, each displaying a glowing AI speech bubble icon above the screen

    Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot to Become Available for Teen Students

    This summer, Microsoft is expanding availability of its Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot products for students aged 13 and older. Administrators will be able to grant access for students based on their institution's plans and preferences, the company announced in a blog post.

  • colorful geometric illustration features gaming devices, computer accessories, and stacks of books

    Gaming in K–12 Classrooms Is Powering the Future Tech Workforce

    Today's most forward-thinking schools are using gaming as a platform to train students for real-world roles in fields like aviation, robotics, remote operations, and data center management.