Upcoming Workshops

Have questions? Contact the ATI:

Assistive Technology Initiative
MS: 6A11
Voice: 703-993-4329
Fax: 703-993-4743
ati@gmu.edu

The Assistive Technology Initiative provides training to members of the Mason community on the latest trends in assistive technology, document remediation, audio/video accessibility, and web accessibility. See below to register for upcoming trainings and to learn about some of our ongoing training cohorts/initiatives:

Fall 2023 Training Events

Digital Access Workshop Week, Sept. 11th – Sept. 15th   

During the week of Sept. 11th, ATI Staff will host a series of 30-45 minute training sessions on different digital accessibility topics. Join us to learn more about identifying accessible textbooks, creating accessible instructional resources, and requesting ATI support services. Please join us for this upcoming sessions:
  • Accessible Videos: Using Course Media (i.e., Machine vs. Professional Captions), YouTube, and Vimeo – Sept. 11th (12:00pm – 12:30pm), Register for Accessible Videos  opens a new window  
    • Description: This workshop will provide guidance on creating accessible videos using CourseMedia, YouTube, and Vimeo.
  • The Benefits of Blackboard Ally for Instructors and Students – Sept. 12th (12:00pm-12:30pm), Register for Blackboard Ally  opens a new window
    • Description: Ally assists instructors with identifying and remediating accessibility issues in their Bb courses. It also provides students with options for downloading instructional materials into formats that best suit their learning style. This workshop will highlight each of those features.
  • Making Zoom Sessions More Accessible and Inclusive  – Sept. 13th (12:00pm-12:45pm), Register for Zoom Accessibility  opens a new window
    • Description: This session will highlight different tips and strategies for ensuring your Zoom sessions are as accessible as possible to members of the Mason community.
    • PLEASE NOTE: This session is scheduled for 45-minutes.
  • Using Bookshare to Acquire Free and Accessible Copies of your Course Textbooks – Sept. 14th (12:00pm – 12:30pm), Register for Using Bookshare  opens a new window
    • Description: In this workshop, ATI Accessible Text Coordinator, Jennifer Brown, will demonstrate how individuals with print disabilities can use Bookshare to search for and download free, accessible versions of their course textbooks.
  • Web Accessibility Services: Submitting a Request and Getting Feedback – Friday, Sept. 15th (12:00pm – 12:30pm), Register for Web Accessibility Services  opens a new window
    • Description: This workshop will provide guidance on submitting a request for a Web/Application Accessibility Review, Consultation, or Request Training using our new process.  Participants will learn how to submit a request and see how feedback will be provided through a portal.

Tuesday Quick Talks with Jackie

Every Tuesday in September and October, the ATI’s Assistive Technology Specialist, Jackie Servello, will be hosting 30-minute quick talk sessions from 12:30pm-1:00pm highlighting useful assistive technology features/tools to assist you with accessing your instructional resources.

Please contact Jackie Servello, Assistive Technology Specialist, if you have specific questions.

Accessible Web Design Workshops

Starting in September, the following web accessibility trainings will be offered. These and additional trainings will be advertised and conducted on the Mason Web Accessibility Collaborative Teams Channel opens a new window. Please join us for two upcoming sessions:

  • Using a Screen Reader to Test Websites – Friday, Sept. 22nd (11:00am – 12:00pm), Register for Using a Screen Reader to Test Websites  opens a new window
    • Description: This workshop will focus on strategies for testing websites using screen reading technology. The first part of the workshop will introduce participants to screen reading technology and how they are used by individuals who are blind to read documents and websites. Basic commands for reading and navigating documents and websites will be demonstrated.  The second half of the workshop will demonstrate how to use the keyboard commands to check key components of websites to ensure they are accessible and user-friendly for people who rely on screen reading technology.

PLEASE NOTE: All trainings will focus on accessibility issues related to that specific topic, how to address those issues, and highlight instances where these issues could be addressed on Mason websites.

Please contact Kristine Neuber, IT Accessibility Coordinator, if you have specific questions.

Self-Guided Digital Accessibility Courses

The ATI offers self-paced, web-based digital accessibility training courses to assist members of the Mason community with learning how to create accessible documents and websites. To learn more about these offerings, visit the Document Accessibility Fundamentals course and Trusted Tester for Web Fundamentals course links.