Accessible Courses, Platforms & Technology

If you’re not sure where to begin, focus on the areas that affect students the most:

• Use the Ally Course Accessibility Checker on your course files to identify quick wins
• Fix common issues in your priority documents (headings, alt text, contrast, link text)
   

"You don't need to be an expert. Start small. Every improvement helps real people now and in the future."
 

Blackboard is at the center of many teaching and learning activities at RIC. Making your Blackboard courses accessible helps students navigate, understand, and engage with your content more effectively.

• Course Layout – Use clear, consistent course layout and avoid unnecessary items. 
• Learning Modules and Descriptive Titles – Organize your content with learning modules or folders by week, subject, chapter, etc. with descriptive titles.
• File Names – Make file names meaningful (ex: “Week 2 Readings” instead of “doc1”).
• Blackboard Ally – Identify/fix accessibility issues in course files.
• Accessible Formats – Use accessible formats when possible (ex: HTML instead of PDF).
   

"You’re not expected to do this alone. RIC is building the support you need to create accessible, inclusive content."
 

Students benefit from predictable, well‑structured courses. Clear organization reduces cognitive load and supports all learners, including those using assistive technologies.

• Use a consistent layout across weeks or modules.
• Start each module with a brief overview and learning objectives.
• Group related materials together (readings, videos, assignments, discussions).
• Use headings and descriptive labels for content items.
• Provide clear instructions for assignments and activities.
• Simplify your course navigation and structure
   

"If students frequently ask “Where do I find…?”, it may be a sign that course navigation needs simplification."
 

Videos are a powerful teaching tool, but they must be accessible to all students. Captions and transcripts support students who are deaf or hard of hearing, English language learners, and anyone who benefits from reading along.

Use Kaltura to caption all of your Blackboard videos.

Need help with Kaltura captioning?

Request Kaltura Assistance

Please Note: Auto-captions are automatically added to all files uploaded to Kaltura. Once uploaded, you must then edit the captions to correct any mistakes.

Before adopting new digital tools, platforms, or integrations, it’s important to ensure they are accessible. This is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity for students and staff who rely on assistive technologies.

• Request a VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) or ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) from vendors.
• Review accessibility claims with IT and procurement.
• Consider user impact — especially for popular student tools.
• Include accessibility requirements in contracts and RFPs.

➡️  Watch: How to Read a VPAT/ACR
 

"Involve accessibility review early in the procurement process to avoid costly rework later."
 

Vetting Third‑Party Tools & Integrations

Many courses and departments rely on third‑party tools—publisher platforms, simulations, apps, and external websites. These tools must also meet accessibility standards.

• Check if the tool has a VPAT/ACR and accessibility statement.
• Test basic tasks with a keyboard only (no mouse).
• Verify that captions, alt text, and forms are accessible.
• Consider whether there is an effective alternative if the tool is not fully accessible.
• Consult with IT before adopting new tools widely.