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Final Session

Session 6 - Blackboard Ally Overview

Date: October 8, 2026 | RSVP Today!

What this session covers

  • Understanding Ally accessibility indicators and using instructor feedback to identify and correct accessibility issues
  • Exploring alternative formats available to students and how they support different accessibility and learning needs
  • Using the course-level Accessibility Report to identify issues, prioritize improvements and track course accessibility

Participants will gain

Practical strategies for using Blackboard Ally to identify accessibility barriers, prioritize course improvements and provide students with more flexible ways to access course content.

Who should attend: ETA Group members, Instructors, Course Builders, and Instructional Designers

Read More: Blackboard Ally Resources Website

Blackboard Training Session - Ally Overview Event Banner Image

Past Sessions

Blackboard Modernization with Transition to Ultra

Blackboard Ultra is the modern, streamlined version of the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS), designed to offer a more intuitive, responsive, and engaging experience for both instructors and students.

Since UTMB's initial move to Ultra Base Navigation in December 2023, most schools have transitioned to Ultra Courses—or are in the process.

UTMB's deadline to transition to Ultra is Fall 2026.

We strongly recommend making the move well before this date to ensure adequate time for training, design, and support.

Read More: Blackboard: End of Support for Original Courses (.docx)

Review: Transition Timeline | Resources | FAQ | Retention Policies

Ultra Transition Timeline & Original Course End-of-Life

Note: scroll left to view full table on mobile devices.

DateMilestone
Dec 2023Ultra Base Navigation enabled – a modern, intuitive menu outside of courses. No change to existing course format (Original courses remain).
Spring 2024Explore Ultra Courses – AC provides sandboxes and resources and works with schools/groups to facilitate transition planning and to provide support for early adopters.
Summer 2024Ultra Courses available for pilot groups.
Fall 2024Ultra Courses officially supported; depending on a school/program transition plan, instructors may choose Ultra or Original format.
Fall 2026UTMB's official deadline to transition to Ultra: All courses must be transitioned to Ultra by the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester.
Dec 31, 2026Blackboard ends support for Original Courses. Learn what this means for you and your Original courses.
Jan 01, 2027Remaining Original Courses become Read-Only in the system.
Jan 2028Remaining Original Courses are automatically converted to Ultra format.

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