Assistive Technology Initiative

Web Accessibility

Contact the IT Accessibility Coordinator

Kristine Neuber
IT Accessibility Coordinator

Assistive Technology Initiative
MS: 6A11
Voice: 703-993-9815
Fax: 703-993-4743
kneuber@gmu.edu

The ATI can help you determine whether your web sites, or applications are accessible and ensure that people with disabilities have comparable access to all electronic information provided by George Mason University.

Who We Serve

Mason’s web developers, content managers, IT personnel, teaching faculty and purchasing specialists. Anyone in the Mason community involved in the development, purchase or implementation of technology on campus has a role in web accessibility. We are here to help.

What is Web Accessibility

Web Accessibility means that web sites are designed to allow people with disabilities to perceive, navigate, understand, and interact with the information presented on the site.  Many people with disabilities use  assistive technologies and features to access the web.  A few examples include:

  •  Students and employees with physical disabilities may not be able to use their hands to type on a standard keyboard or use a standard mouse.  They may use voice recognition technology or an adapted keyboard.
  • Students and employees with a visual impairment may need to use a screen reader to provide auditory output of what is presented on the screen.
  • Students and employees who are deaf or hard of hearing may need to use captioning to fully understand multimedia content.

Why is Web Accessibility Important?

If web sites and applications are not coded properly to meet accessibility standards they may not be compatible with assistive technologies used by people with disabilities. This can create a virtual road block to the electronic information and services available to their peers without disabilities.

View the video below for a student and faculty perspective on web accessibility in higher education:

Our Process

For more information about our web accessibility testing process, please visit Web Accessibility Testing.

Mason’s Web Accessibility Standards

Mason refers to the accessibility standards specified in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 opens a new window and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.1 opens a new window, appropriately tailored to the specific circumstances of the University. The WCAG 2.0 Standards are set by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) opens a new window. The mission of W3C is to lead the web to its full potential which includes accessibility.

The ATI is charged with developing and implementing a plan for institutional coordination and reform to support web accessibility at the post-secondary level. Whether you are a web developer, faculty member or staff, you have a part in Mason’s plan for web development. Visit the Roles and Responsibilities section to see how you fit into maintaining these standards.