W&M Ranks 22nd Globally in Blackboard Ally “Fix Your Content Day”
William & Mary faculty and staff joined campuses around the world on November 18 to take part in Blackboard Ally’s annual Fix Your Content Day, a 24-hour global competition focused on improving the accessibility of digital course materials. By the end of the day, W&M ranked 22nd worldwide and completed more than 1,300 accessibility fixes in just 24 hours. This significant achievement reflects the university’s continued commitment to inclusive teaching and learning.
Throughout the competition, W&M faculty and staff received hands-on support from university accessibility and instructional design experts, both in person and online. Many participants discovered that Ally’s built-in guidance makes it possible to address common issues, like missing headings, poor color contrast, or inaccessible images, in just a few minutes.
“Small fixes can have a big impact,” said Filza Khan, digital accessibility specialist. “Improving readability, screen-reader compatibility, and access to alternative formats helps ensure that all students can engage fully with course materials.”
While Fix Your Content Day only comes once a year, its effects extend well beyond a single day. Many participants used the momentum as a form of “spring cleaning,” preparing courses for upcoming semesters and building confidence in creating accessible content year-round. Moreover, they found that cleaning up their content was much easier than they expected and are eager to carry their newfound knowledge into future semesters.
By finishing 22nd globally and completing more than 1,300 fixes, W&M not only earned international recognition from Blackboard but also strengthened its reputation as an institution that prioritizes accessibility and student success. Improving digital content is an ongoing process, and every fix helps make learning more inclusive. Visit the university’s Digital Accessibility website to learn more about W&M’s commitment to digital accessibility.