Assistive Technology Initiative Office
Q: As an employee, how can I receive ATI services?
A: You will need to contact Ruth Townsend, ADA Coordinator, for a meeting to discuss your needs. She will refer you to the ATI if assistive technology services are needed. She can be reached at 703-993-8730. For more information about the process, please visit: Americans with Disabilities Act
Q: As a student, how can I receive ATI services?
A: You need to be registered with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to receive ATI services. Please speak with ODS to activate the referral process. To make an appointment, call 703-993-2474.
Q: Are there any assistive technology stations on campus that I can use?
A: Yes, they are currently located in the libraries on most campuses. Refer to the list below for your campus:
- Johnson Center Library (Fairfax Campus), Johnson Center, Room 134I
- Fenwick Library (Fairfax Campus), Fenwick, Main Floor
- Kellar Institute Assistive Technology Lab (Fairfax Campus), Krug Hall
- Mercer Library (Prince William Campus), Occoquan Building, Room 104E
- Arlington Campus Library, Founders Hall, Room 350
- George Mason University Law Library (Arlington Campus), Hazel Hall, Room 141 (Reference Office) and Room 342 (Computer Lab)
Q: How do I gain access to the Assistive Technology available on the Fairfax, Arlington and Prince William campuses?
A: We are working diligently to provide assistive technology software in all of the academic labs on campus.
You should request access to the AT stations at the Library Circulation Desk. If you would like a code to access the AT room located in the Johnson Center Library, please contact the ATI.
Q: If I need a piece of assistive technology in a classroom or lab, can this be arranged?
A: Yes, ODS and ATI staff will work with you to identify assistive technology that will meet your needs in the classroom and other academic environments. Contact ODS to begin the process.
Q: How can I arrange to use a computer with a screen reading package, screen enlargement package or other assistive technology tools to take quizzes, tests and exams?
A: Once you are registered with ODS, they will work with you and the ATI to identify and provide appropriate technology to use during testing.
Q: How can I learn about technology accessibility for employees?
A: Visit Mason's Accessibility Website for more information about accessibility services for employees.
Q: Do I have to pay to have my material converted into an accessible format?
A: No, students and employees found eligible for scanning services are provided the service free of charge. Eligibility is determined by the ODS if you are a student and the ADA Coordinator if you are an employee.
Q: Do I have to purchase my own copy of the required course materials that I need converted into an accessible format?
A: Yes, you must purchase the hard copy of your material that you need converted into an alternative format. Additionally, you also need to provide us with a receipt for the purchase of the material. This is required by publishers in accordance with the Chafee Act. For more information about the Chafee Act, visit: Copyright
Q: Do I have to show receipt for the material I need converted into an alternative format?
A: Yes, most publishing companies require that we provide proof of purchase before they provide material in an electronic format. In addition, Mason needs proof of purchase before scanning material in accordance with the Chafee Act. For more information about the Chafee Act, visit: Copyright
Q: What will happen to the hard copy of my book during the scanning process?
A: To scan printed material into an electronic format, we need to remove the binding from your book. Once the book has been successfully converted, we will have a plastic comb binding put on the book.
Q: What types of material can I have converted into an accessible format?
A: Accessible Text will only convert required course material into an alternative format. This includes text books, reading packets, e-reserve material, texts, exams, quizzes, etc. Due to the high demand for scanning services, we are not able to scan materials that are determined to be recommended as specified on the course syllabus.
Q: Do I have to register with ATI before I can request my material in an accessible format?
A: Yes, you must qualify for services and be registered with the ATI before we can provide you with material in an alternative format. Once you are registered with ODS, you may inquire about the ATI referral process. For an appointment at ODS, please call 703-993-2474. (Employees should contact the ADA Coordinator at 703-993-8730.)
Q: Are plastic comb bindings the only type of binding that can be put on my book after Accessible Text is finished converting it?
A: Yes, currently we are limited to plastic comb bindings. You have the option of receiving the book back without a replacement binding, which will allow you to choose a different type of binding. Kinko’s offers several different types of binding at a cost to you. They are located in the University Mall Shopping Center (on Braddock Road, across from the Fairfax campus). Their phone number is 703-691-9011.
Q: What accessible text formats can be provided to me?
A: Accessible Text can provide textbooks and course packets in the following formats: WYNN, MS-Word, rich or plain text, and PDF. In addition to the formats listed above, quizzes and exams and other small documents can also be provided in large print or Braille with prior arrangements.
For more information on accessible media (videos) shown in class or online, visit our Accessible Media Page.
Q: Can technology aid participation in hands-on activities in the classroom?
A: Please reference our Web Accessibility site for more information on Universal Design and technology.
Q: How can I learn about making web pages accessible to people with disabilities?
A: For departmental or one-on-one training, please contact the ATI Office to schedule a training. There are also several workshops through Mason available to staff and students. For upcoming workshops, please visit IT Training. Visit the Accessibility Training page for more information.
There is also a graduate level class offered through the College of Education and Human Development. (EDIT 526 Web Accessibility)
Q: Who do I contact if I'm a Mason employee and would like my department website tested for accessibility?
A: All web accessibility testing requests will need to be submitted using the Web Accessibility Site Evaluation Form. Please fill out all information with an asterisk (*). The information will be submitted to our ATI office email and we will respond shortly.
Q: How can I tell if something I want to purchase falls under the Electronic and Information Technology definition used to define the Section 508 Accessibility Standards?
A: There is documentation available to help answer those questions by contacting the ATI office. Visit the Procurement page for more information about Information Technology or Project Management Information.
Q: Who do I contact if I'm a student or employee using assistive technology and cannot fully access one of the George Mason University websites, documents, or videos?
A:All web accessibility related issues will need to be submitted using the Web Accessibility Access Issue Form. You can choose to remain anonymous. However, all of the information with an asterisk (*) will need to be completed with as much detail as possible. The information will be submitted to our ATI office email and we will respond as soon as possible.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to help provide individuals with disabilities an accessible university environment by supporting access to all technological, architectural, and educational resources available at George Mason University through the incorporation of assistive technologies, the provision of technical support, and the development of university-wide strategies for universal access.
COMING EVENTS
Summer Training Schedule- Fairfax Campus (Location TBD) Times: 1:00-4:00 PM