Ally is a content-checking tool that works in Canvas to help teaching teams improve the accessibility of course content. During the past year, the LT Hub has been centrally supporting and piloting Ally. Now that the pilot has concluded, LT Hub Leadership has decided to pause central support of Ally.
Why are we pausing support of Ally?
Our leadership has made this decision based on three key factors:
- The pilot of Ally surfaced some gaps in the tool’s current functionality. At times, Ally will identify accessibility issues in course content but not provide clear steps on how to address these issues.
- We see a need to better help faculty and staff understand accessibility broadly before we adopt a specific tool. We plan to develop resources that will offer support independent of any supporting technology.
- UBC’s new Accessibility Committee is actively forming recommendations of what the university can and should do to support accessibility. We want to take direction from the committee regarding whether tool(s) should form part of this support.
What will happen next?
Starting November 27, Ally will no longer be available by request to use in Canvas. We encourage you to reach out to your Instructional Support Unit or contact us with accessibility questions.
Academic accommodations continue to be available for students who have a disability or ongoing medical condition which impacts their access to or engagement with activities. You can direct students to contact the Centre for Accessibility (UBC Vancouver) or the Disability Resource Centre (UBC Okanagan) for assistance.
We will share updates on any new resources and recommendations as they become available.