Estimated reading time: four minutes.
Staff guide: explaining Statement 2 of 6 of the Blackboard Module Accessibility Statements. Acknowledging this statement, confirms that the teaching team checks that module content is accessible by using Microsoft accessibility tools and acting on feedback from Blackboard’s accessibility score.
If this statement does not apply to your module, answer No.
Why this matters
Accessible content benefits everyone by removing barriers to learning and assessment. Using accessibility tools and acting on feedback creates an inclusive environment that supports every student’s academic journey. These checks ensure your teaching materials work effectively for everyone, including those who rely on assistive technology or alternative formats.
Review and implementation checklist
Review this checklist before submitting a response to Statement 2.
Statement 2 asks that the teaching team:
- check new and updated content using Microsoft accessibility tools.
- fix any issues identified by these tools for new and updated content.
- check the accessibility score for the module.
- act on feedback provided by Blackboard’s accessibility tools for new and updated content.
If the teaching team completes these actions, select Yes.
How to check accessibility of module content
- Go to your module in Blackboard.
- Navigate to Books and Tools in the Details and Actions menu.
- Select Accessibility Summary to view your module’s accessibility score and a list of content that could be improved.
- Select any item to see areas for improvement and guidance on enhancing accessibility.
- Alternatively, check the accessibility score next to any content item as you work.
- Use Microsoft Office’s Accessibility Checker under the Review tab to check your documents before uploading.
Good practice and quick wins
This section outlines actions that can taken to further enhance inclusivity in a Blackboard module. We recommend starting with content used every year, making new content accessible as you create it and adapting older content in stages. Small incremental changes can have a lasting impact.
- Talk to your students about the best way to support them.
- Provide original documents for students to use such as Word or PowerPoint rather than PDF versions.
- Review alternative formats provided by Blackboard.
- Structure content with formatted heading styles and short paragraphs.
- Use colours with a sufficient contrast and accessible colour palettes.
- Provide alternative text for images.
- Check the reading order of slides.
- Make students aware how they can access alternative formats for teaching materials.
Stretch goals
Explore optional actions that can further enhance inclusivity in your subject. Raise a ticket through service line to connect with a Learning Designer if you want to develop these practices further.
Related guides and support
eLearn guide: “Check accessibility as you work in Microsoft Office”.
eLearn guide: “Creating accessible learning content”.
Blackboard course: “An Introduction to Digital Accessibility”.
Blackboard course: “Equality and Diversity in Practice”
eLearn guide: Blackboard Ally
Frequently asked questions
Can students see my Blackboard accessibility scores?
No. Only instructors and course admins see accessibilty scores. Students can however see alternative formats.
Do these checks cover everything?
No. The Microsoft accessibility checker and Blackboard accessibility scores are a baseline that cover common, automatable issues. You still need good practice for pedagogy and usability (e.g., clear language, logical headings, sufficient contrast in actual use, activity instructions).
What are the most common issues flagged?
Microsoft: Missing alt text, reading order in slides, heading structure in Word, table headers, contrast (theme choices), and link text (avoid “click here”).
Blackboard: Scanned PDFs (inaccessible), images without alt text, Word/PowerPoint exported to PDF, improper headings, and complex tables.
The Microsoft checker says “Reading order” – what’s that?
In PowerPoint, screen readers follow the reading order (top to bottom). To see the reading order in PowerPoint go to Review → Check Accessibility → Reding Order Pane. This will allow you to reorder items so that the content follows a logical flow.
How do I add or check alt text in Microsoft files?
Word/PowerPoint: Right‑click the image → View Alt Text → write concise, informative text; tick. Mark images as decorative where appropriate.
Excel: Alt text is supported for images/objects, but tables are inherently data, so focus on meaningful headers, names, and chart descriptions.
My document passes the Microsoft accessibility checker but Blackboard shows it as orange – why?
Different rule sets and context: Microsoft checks the editable source; Blackboard analyses the uploaded file (including PDFs created from the source). If you exported to PDF without tags, Blackboard will flag it even if the original passed.