New Accessibility Tool for Instructors: Ally in UC Davis Canvas Launches 9/2
Quick Summary
- Starting 9/2/26, the Ally accessibility tool will integrate into UC Davis Canvas to analyze course content according to current accessibility standards.
- The tool automatically provides instructors with private accessibility scores and actionable guidance to help eliminate learning barriers in their course materials.
- Students will be able to directly download course files in alternative formats that best support their individual learning preferences.
UC Davis instructors have a new, virtual partner in making their courses more accessible this fall. Starting Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Ally is integrated in UC Davis Canvas, the campus learning management system.
The tool assesses courses and individual course content and provides guidance aligned with current accessibility standards as well as downloadable alternative formats for course materials, supporting Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Ally will automatically:
- Provide instructors with an analysis and accessibility score for most course materials.
- Deliver guidance to instructors on how to improve the accessibility of course content.
- Provide students with accessible, alternative formats for many course materials.
Key Benefits
- Instructors: Receive automatic assessments of course content, highlighting accessibility issues, and empowering you to make your course more inclusive for students. In addition, improving the accessibility of individual course materials will also improve the quality of alternative formats Ally provides students to download.
- Students: Download alternative file formats (audio for listening, ePub for mobile reading, tagged PDFs for screen readers, electronic braille, etc.) that best support your personal learning preferences without altering original course files.
About Ally Accessibility Scores
Next to materials in your course, there will be an accessibility score indicator that is visible to instructors, but not to students. These scores are the result of Ally’s assessment of how accessible each item is for students who may use screen readers; are deaf, hard of hearing, or have other barriers to their learning. Some of the many things Ally is looking for include:
- Do images have alternative text (sometimes called alt-text)?
- Do documents have proper headings in place?
- Are pdfs digitally readable?
Ally Accessibility Scores Explained
- Low-scoring content indicator - Low (0-33%): Needs help! There are severe accessibility issues.
- Medium-scoring content indicator - Medium (34-66%): A little better. The file is somewhat accessible and needs improvement.
- High-scoring content indicator - High (67-99%): Almost there. The file is accessible, but more improvements are possible.
- Perfect-scoring content indicator - Perfect (100%): Perfect. Ally didn’t identify any accessibility issues, but further improvements may still be possible.
In addition to a score, Ally provides an overview of what the score means – identifying key issues to address – and tips on how to make your content more accessible. In some instances, you can address the problem directly from Ally, improving your score, and improving the student experience. In other instances, Ally can help you identify your next step.
Get Started with Ally in UC Davis Canvas
For Instructors
- Check File Scores: Select the Accessibility score icon next to any file to review flagged issues. Click All issues for a complete overview.
- Review Course Performance: Access the Ally Course Accessibility Report to identify priority areas.
- What do I need to know to get started with Ally?
- How do I use Ally in UC Davis Canvas to increase the accessibility of my course?
Instructor Training
Instructors who need additional assistance may join a live Zoom training session. Registration is required. Tap the dates/times below to register for that session. Zoom links will be sent via email once registration is complete.
For students
- Locate any course file in Canvas. Alternative formats are available anywhere you can access a file, either from a dropdown menu or by clicking on the Alternative Formats button.
- Select your preferred format and click Download.
Find additional information in the knowledge base article, How do I download alternative formats of Canvas course content using Ally In UC Davis Canvas?
Accommodation Notes
Ally provides alternative course material formats but does not replace formal accommodations managed through Disability Management Services or the Student Disability Center (SDC).
Ally only works within Canvas. Those who need to convert materials to accessible formats outside of the learning management system can use SensusAccess.
Ally and UC Davis’ Digital Accessibility Program
Ally in UC Davis Canvas is one component in our Digital Accessibility Program, our campus-wide effort to make courses, websites, and digital tools more accessible and inclusive for everyone. For more information, see the UC Davis Digital Accessibility website.
Additional Resources and Support
- General Help: Visit the Ally for LMS Help Center website.
- Campus Accessibility: Visit the UC Davis Digital Accessibility webpage.