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Fix your Minerva content for Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2022

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Thursday 19 May 2022 marks the annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), and as part of our commitment to inclusive and accessible education, we are participating in the Blackboard Ally ‘Fix Your Content Day’ to encourage users to create more inclusive digital learning content.

On 19 May, we’ll be on a mission to fix as many accessibility issues with Minerva module files as we can. At the end of the day, the University with the most files fixed will be recognised and awarded a prize.

Getting involved in Fix your Content Day

If you can set aside time on Thursday 19 May, start by clicking those red and amber Ally indicators in your modules to fix as many files as you can. If you’re just getting started or trying to make some quick fixes, choose the easiest issues to fix. You can also focus on your lowest scoring content and aim for impact. Or you can focus on specific issues or tackle the most severe issues first.

We know that everyone is busy, and particularly at this time of year. If you’re not able to set some time aside on 19 May, you might be able to consider planning for next year’s modules, especially in line with forthcoming changes to Minerva Ultra Course View.

What is accessibility?

In terms of creating learning materials, it is making sure all students can benefit from the materials you have created. There are many low-effort adjustments you can make to content to start creating more accessible content.

How can I make my content more accessible?

 

Blackboard Ally is built into Minerva and helps staff understand the accessibility of files in their modules via simple green/red/amber indicators and helpful advice. For more information, read our Ally support guide. If you’ve not used Ally before, we’d recommend watching the GAAD Ally video tutorial which shows you how to check the accessibility of your teaching material and find out more about how to fix the issues identified.

You can find a broad range of advice at the Digital Accessiblity at Leeds website, with specific information on creating accessible content in PebblePad at the Digital Education Systems Help website.

Please contact your Faculty Learning Technologist on 19 May if you require assistance with Fix your Content Day, you can find their contact details on the Faculty Learning Technologist contact list.