What is Web Accessibility? |How is Mason Involved? | Why Make Your Information Accessible?

Mason Accessibility on the Web and Beyond

George Mason University is committed to providing comparable access to all programs and services to people with disabilities. This includes access to electronic information and services. All official Mason websites, applications, telecommunications and video and multimedia must meet Mason's web accessibility standards. These standards are based on the Web Accessibility Standards specified in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. If this is not possible, reasonable accommodations will be made to provide these services or materials in an alternative format in a timely manner to ensure compliance with federal laws.
The George Mason University website is defined to include any website using the “gmu.edu” address and/or is related to the University by development or added content of a GMU employee.

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What is Web Accessibility?

Web accessibility refers to the practice of making websites usable by people of all abilities and disabilities. When sites are correctly designed, developed and edited, all users can have equal access to information and functionality. For example, when a site is coded with semantically meaningful HTML, with textual equivalents provided for images and with links named meaningfully, this helps blind users using text-to-speech software and/or text-to-Braille hardware. When text and images are large and/or enlargeable, it is easier for users with poor sight to read and understand the content. When links are underlined (or otherwise differentiated) as well as colored, this ensures that color blind users will be able to notice them. When clickable links and areas are large, this helps users who cannot control a mouse with precision. When pages are coded so that users can navigate by means of the keyboard alone, or a single switch access device alone, this helps users who cannot use a mouse or even a standard keyboard. When videos are closed captioned or a sign language version is available, deaf and hard of hearing users can understand video. When flashing effects are avoided or made optional, users prone to seizures caused by these effects are not put at risk. And when content is written in plain language and illustrated with instructional diagrams and animations, users with dyslexia and learning difficulties are better able to understand the content. When sites are correctly built and maintained, all of these users can be accommodated while not impacting the usability of the site for users without disabilities.

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How is Mason Involved?

George Mason University became a partner with WebAIM in 2001 and later the Commonwealth of Virginia adopted accessibility regulations Section 508, part of the Rehabilitation Act and W3C in November 2005. We are charged with developing a plan for institutional coordination and reform to support web accessibility at the post-secondary level. George Mason University will act as a model for other universities.

Why Make Your Information Accessible?

There are more than 750 million people living with disabilities. As we become more dependent on the Internet for information and services, it is critical that the web be usable by everyone. It is not only the right thing to do, it's the law! In 1998 Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act to include Section 508. Section 508 requires government agencies, and institutions receiving federal dollars, to ensure that all electronic and information technology applications are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

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