Welcome to the Blackboard Mailbag, where we feature a commonly asked question that has been hitting our mailbox recently: blackboard@fordham.edu. You’ll find an archive of all of the previous questions and answers on our fordham.edu/blackboard website.
Note: Features may change with future updates.
Digital learning platforms must prioritize accessibility to ensure every student can fully engage with online course content. Blackboard Learn offers a comprehensive approach to accessibility that supports students with diverse needs and abilities.
Key Accessibility Features for Instructors
1. Semantic Structure and Navigation
Blackboard Learn’s interface is designed with intentional structural elements:
- Single H1 heading for page identification (typically the course name)
- H2 headings to delineate major page sections
- HTML and ARIA landmarks for efficient navigation
- Skip links to bypass repetitive content
2. Keyboard Navigation and Assistive Technology Support
The platform provides robust keyboard navigation features:
- Consistent keyboard interaction patterns across browsers
- Drag-and-drop functionality accessible via keyboard
- Keyboard shortcuts for content editing and navigation
- Compatibility with screen readers like JAWS and VoiceOver
3. Content Creation Accessibility Tools
The content editor in Blackboard Learn supports accessible content creation:
- Prompts for alternative text when uploading images
- Keyboard shortcuts for formatting
- Clean HTML generation when copying content
- Ability to define heading structures that maintain page semantics
Specific Accessibility Supports for Different User Needs
Blackboard features a variety of tools that assist students and instructors with a range of accessibility needs.
Visual Impairment Support
- High contrast settings
- Screen reader compatibility
- Alt text for all images
- Quick Links feature for efficient page navigation
Mobility Impairment Accommodations
- Comprehensive keyboard navigation
- Keyboard-accessible reordering of course content
- Keyboard shortcuts for various tools
Cognitive Disability Considerations
- Collapsible course menus to reduce visual complexity
- Adaptive content release
- Customizable display options for content presentation
- Notification systems to support focus and organization
Instructor Accessibility Responsibilities
While Blackboard provides powerful accessibility tools, instructors also play a critical role:
- Provide clear, structured assignment instructions
- Use proper document formatting
- Include captions and descriptions for multimedia content
- Utilize adaptive release for personalized learning paths
- Provide multiple content format options
- Be responsive to individual accommodation requests
- Conduct a comprehensive review of existing course materials
- Regularly solicit student feedback on course accessibility
Accessibility in digital learning is not a feature—it’s a fundamental commitment to educational equity. By understanding and leveraging the accessibility features in Blackboard Learn, educators can create more inclusive, supportive online learning environments that empower all students to succeed.
Learn more about accessibility from our blog post, EdTech Essentials Top Five Accessibility Tips, and our Spring 2025 Faculty EdTech Bootcamp session on Universal Design.
For additional FAQs and resources about Blackboard, visit fordham.edu/blackboard, attend one of our workshops, sign up to meet with us on our EdTech Consultation Calendar via Zoom, or reach out to us with your availability and we will work with you to accommodate small groups and one-on-one sessions.
Have feedback or suggestions on features? Blackboard’s parent company Anthology hosts The Idea Exchange. This is a place specifically for Blackboard to track and manage enhancement requests. It allows for things like upvoting ideas and sharing development plans and statuses. You will need to create an account to access the Idea Exchange.