Alert: Changes are coming to ADA Title II. Learn more about the ATI's Digital Content Accessibility Action Plan (DCAAP)!

By April 24, 2026, George Mason University must ensure all its websites and mobile apps comply with ADA Title II and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA - making digital content accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities. Click the link below to learn more about the ATI's plan for this effort!Read more
Assistive Technology Initiative

Training Workshops

Have questions? Contact the ATI:

Assistive Technology Initiative
MS: 6A11
Voice: 703-993-4329
Fax: 703-993-4743
[email protected]

The Assistive Technology Initiative (ATI) provides digital accessibility training to members of the Mason community, with a focus on creating accessible documents, websites, and multimedia content. Our training options include self-guided courses and customized workshops designed to support ADA Title II compliance and inclusive digital practices.

Self-Paced, Self-Guided Courses

Self-guided courses are hands-on, self-paced training experiences facilitated by ATI staff. Participants complete course content over several weeks and have access to weekly drop-in support sessions to receive guidance on more complex web accessibility and document remediation tasks. Faculty and staff who complete these courses earn digital badges and an HR Impact Award ($$) in recognition of their professional development. The current training options are as follows:

Document Accessibility Fundamentals Course

The Document Accessibility Fundamentals (DAF) Course consists of a series of self-guided, self-paced modules that teach content authors how to createdocument accessibility fundamentals badge accessible Word, PowerPoint, and PDF documents using Microsoft 365 and Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. This includes, for example, adding alternative text descriptions (i.e., alt text) for images, applying styles to document structure, and utilizing effective color contrast. Participants will also learn how to identify and fix document accessibility-related issues using built-in and 3rd-party accessibility checkers.

Trusted Tester for Web Fundamentals Course

truster tester for web fundamentals badgeThe Trusted Tester for Web Fundamentals (TTW) Course leverages the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Trusted Tester for Web for Windows training program opens a new window, providing web developers and web content authors with a foundational understanding of web accessibility testing and the legal standards outlined in Section 508 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.x Level A and AA opens a new window.

Mini-Courses

The ATI also offers short, focused mini-courses for members of the George Mason community who want targeted training on specific tools. These mini courses are ideal for faculty and staff who want practical, tool-specific guidance without completing a full-length course. The training options are as follows:

  • Word and PowerPoint iconsCreating Accessible Microsoft Word Documents
    • This course provides step-by-step instructions and best practices on how to make your Word documents accessible. This includes, but is not limited to, using the built-in accessibility checker, using styles to add headings, and converting accessible Word documents into accessible PDFs.
    • Course Length: Approximately 2-3 hours
    • Self Enroll: Enroll in the Word Accessibility Fundamentals Mini-Course opens a new window
  • Creating Accessible PowerPoint Presentations
    • This course provides step-by-step instructions and best practices on how to make your PowerPoint presentations accessible. This includes, but is not limited to, setting up the reading order, adding alternative text descriptions for images, using effective color contrast, and converting accessible PowerPoint presentations into accessible PDFs.
    • Course Length: Approximately 2-3 hours
    • Self Enroll: Enroll in the PowerPoint Accessibility Fundamentals Mini-Course opens a new window

Request A Custom Workshop

ATI staff regularly provide customized workshops and training sessions for departments, units, and teams across George Mason. These sessions can be tailored to your specific content, workflows, and ADA Title II-related questions or concerns. Sample topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Changes to ADA Title II and/or the Code of Virginia’s IT Access Act
  • Creating accessible PDF documents
  • Creating accessible media (i.e., captions, transcripts, audio descriptions)
  • Web accessibility basics for content editors and developers
  • Accessible email communications
  • Unit-specific accessibility planning and readiness

If you are interested in hosting a workshop or requesting customized training for your unit, please Submit a Training Request. Contact us at [email protected] if you have specific questions.