Product News
July 10, 2026
Accessibility and Ally: A Resource Roundup for Inclusive Learning

# Accessibility
# Accessibility, Compliance & Security
# Ally
Eliza Senatorova

Today, accessibility in education is essential. It reflects our values, strengthens effective teaching, and is also a legal requirement. With new Title II regulations in the U.S. and similar requirements worldwide, institutions are under pressure to ensure that every learner can engage with digital content equitably.
As the creators of the market-leading accessibility tool Ally, we believe accessibility should be seamless and sustainable. And that's why we continue to support institutions through research and community collaboration. This roundup brings together recent reports, articles, videos, and practical resources to help higher education leaders strengthen their own accessibility strategies.
Title II Compliance Resources
Here's where to start if you're mapping out your Title II compliance strategy:
- ďťżTitle II Strategy Guide & Playbook â a companion playbook laying out practical steps institutions can take to meet the new requirements.
- ďťżTitle II Strategy Guide Workbook â an actionable, workbook-style resource for every stage of the accessibility journey.
Practical Strategies and Quick Wins
Institutions don't need sweeping changes to make an impact. Even small adjustments can improve access right away. Many of our most-read blogs highlight practical, human-centered strategies, showing how accessibility weaves together policy, pedagogy, and personal stories, with Ally helping to bridge the gaps.
White Paper: The Accessibility Gap
Leveraging findings from Blackboard's faculty survey of 2,506 instructors throughout the U.S., this white paper offers an in-depth look at the challenges faculty face in creating accessible digital content, along with practical strategies institutions can use to better support both instructors and students.
Tools and Support from Ally
Recent findings highlight the urgency of accessibility in digital learning. In our faculty survey, just 1 in 10 higher-education faculty reported feeling equipped to make course content fully accessible. Many pointed to a lack of tools, training, and time as persistent obstacles.
Ally goes beyond identifying accessibility issues. It helps institutions take meaningful action, educates instructors on best practices, and supports reporting against progress â all contributing to a broader culture of accessibility. In addition to the technology, Ally also supports this work through additional resources for customers including:
- ďťżAlly Communication & Adoption Toolkit â a collection of ready-to-use templates for Ally users, guides, and resources designed to help faculty understand, embrace, and apply accessibility practices in their teaching.
- ďťżCustomer Community â a collaborative space where educators and administrators can connect, share best practices, and work together on solutions.
- ďťżYour Guide to the New Ally Community â a walkthrough of the refreshed Ally Community space and how to get the most out of it.
- ďťżPreview the New Blackboard Help Sites â a first look at the redesigned help experience, built to make finding accessibility guidance faster and easier.
- ďťżAlly office hours â hosted by the Ally Product team every two months, these online events give customers a chance to hear about new feature releases, ask questions directly to Product Managers and the support team, and connect with other Ally clients.
Need a Quick Reference? Download These Datasheets & Brochures.
- ďťżBlackboard Ally for LMS â see how Ally works within your LMS to support instructors and improve course content for students.
- ďťżBlackboard Ally for Websites â make public-facing web content more accessible and easier to manage.
- ďťżBlackboard Ally Overview â explore how Ally helps create more inclusive learning experiences.
- ďťżBlackboard Ally for Government â discover how Ally supports accessibility initiatives across government organisations and public sector teams.
Voices from Our Community
Some of the most powerful accessibility insight comes directly from the people living and building this work every day. These stories and spotlights capture that:
- ďťżBooks without Barriers â community discussions and resources on making course texts and reading materials accessible for every learner.
Recent customer stories and spotlights
In the Media
Accessibility is increasingly part of the higher education conversation, and Ally leaders are contributing to that dialogue across podcasts, articles, and thought leadership platforms. Here are a few highlights from recent coverage:
- ThinkUDL Podcast: âCentering Disability with Dr. Katie Grennellâ â Dr. Katie Grennell, Product Engagement Manager for Ally and adjunct faculty, shares how disability access and culture have shaped her teaching, especially in performance-based classrooms.
- ThinkUDL Podcast: âNothing Without Us with Dr. Amy Lomelliniâ â Dr. Amy Lomellini discusses her experiences as an online learner, educator, and advocate.
- Authority Magazine: âEdTech: Dr. Amy Lomellini of Blackboard on How Their Technology Will Make an Important Positive Impact on Educationâ â explains how Blackboard is building technology with accessibility at its core.
- University Business: âThree Digital Accessibility Strategies to Support Today's Learnersâ
- Palmer Media: âDigital Accessibility with Blackboard Allyâ
- EdTech Innovation Hub: âDigital Accessibility: Empowering Learners to Succeed in Educationâ
- Intentional Teaching Podcast: âDigital Accessibility with Amy Lomelliniâ
Coverage of Blackboard's faculty survey findings has also been widely picked up in the education press:
- Inside Higher Ed: âHow to Help Faculty Meet New Accessibility Requirementsâ
- EdScoop: âFaculty lack accessibility tools, training, Blackboard survey showsâ
Accessibility is an ongoing journey that requires commitment across both educators and administrators. It takes collaboration, consistency, and the right tools to make meaningful progress. With Ally, we are proud to support higher education in creating inclusive, accessible learning environments for every student. Together, we can ensure that every learner has the opportunity to succeed.
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