Differences Between Canvas and Ally Accessibility Checkers

Tags Canvas Ally

Question

What are the main differences between the Canvas Accessibility Checker and Ally?

 

Environment

  • Canvas
  • Anthology Ally 

 

Information

Both the Canvas Accessibility Checker and Ally are tools designed to help instructors fix accessibility issues within a course. While they share the same goal, they operate slightly differently. 

 

Answer

Canvas Accessibility Checker

  • The Canvas Accessibility Checker can be accessed within a course through the Accessibility link in the course navigation menu on the left.
  • This tool only scans content created directly within the Canvas Rich Content Editor (RCE), such as pages, syllabus, discussions, or assignments. It does not scan uploaded files like PDFs or Word documents.
  • While editing content in Canvas, you can also access this tool by looking for the Accessibility Checker (a person inside a circle) at the bottom of the RCE toolbar. If a number appears next to the icon, click it to review and fix the flagged issues.
  • It also checks for heading structures, table formatting, color contrast, and image alt text within RCE. 

For more information, check out the article on how to use the Accessibility Checker in Canvas. 

Ally Accessibility Checker

  • Ally can be accessed within the course through the Ally Course Accessibility Report link in the course navigation menu on the left. 
  • Scans the entire course, including Canvas pages, discussion, assignments, and uploaded files (PDFs, Word docs, PowerPoints, and images).
  • Instructors see a color-coded accessibility gauge (red, orange, light green, or dark green) next to course content. Clicking the gauge opens an Ally panel with guided steps to fix the issue. For more information, see the article on interpreting accessibility scores.
  • Students see an "Alternative Formats" icon (an "A" with a downward arrow) next to files, allowing them to download content in accessible formats such as audio, electronic Braille, or ePub. For more information, see the article on understanding how Alternative Formats work.

For more information, check out the article on using the Ally accessibility checker. 
 

Known Issues

Ally Reporting and Scanning Delays

  • Fixing an issue on a page or file may not immediately update the overall Ally Course Accessibility Report, especially during periods of high system usage.
  • When copying a course with previously resolved accessibility issues, the destination course report may still flag content you’ve already updated.

Allow some time for Ally's background scanner to process changes, especially during peak term-start periods. If scores do not refresh after 24 hours, submit a ticket to itsupport@grcc.edu.

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