Meeting the ADA Title II Digital Accessibility Requirements

Best Practices for Creating Accessible Websites

Top Tips for Creating Accessible Websites

Practical, step‑by‑step actions for website owners, developers, and content authors at George Mason to build and maintain accessible websites. Training, tools, and one-on-one consultations are available via the Assistive Technology Initiative. Contact us at [email protected] or visit ati.gmu.edu opens a new window.

Prefer a one-page handout? This one-page flyer highlights the steps site owners, developers, and content authors should take to align their websites with the upcoming ADA Title II updates. Download the PDF

Step #1 - Add your sites to DubBot

Register each site in DubBot and monitor regularly. Aim for a minimum accessibility score of 90.

What is DubBot? Request DubBot Access

Step #2 - Audit your sites

Audit regularly with DubBot (automated) to identify and fix accessibility barriers. Free DIY tools like WAVE, ANDI, and Colour Contrast Analyser are available as well. Additionally, ATI staff can assist with spot‑checking your site with a screen reader.

Explore DubBot Using DIY Resources Request a screen reader spot check

Step #3 - Make Documents Accessible

Ensure documents (PDF, Word, and PowerPoint) meet accessibility requirements before publishing them online. This means the documents are usable by all individuals, including those who rely on screen readers and other assistive technologies. Use YuJa Panorama's DocHub tool to help you identify and address accessibility issues in your documents. To meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards, documents should display a GREEN accessibility score icon in Panorama before being shared with students or posted online.

PLEASE NOTE: Faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to learn how to make Word and PowerPoint documents accessible opens a new window. The ATI Office can assist with making PDF documents accessible. Use the links below for more information.

What is Panorama? Creating Accessible Documents Request help with documents

Step #4 - Make Media Accessible

Ensure all public-facing audio and video content has accurate captions, transcripts, audio descriptions, and keyboard-accessible controls. Do not rely on auto-captions alone. Professional level support services are available at no cost to faculty and staff hosting media content on public-facing websites.

Creating Accessible Media Request captions, transcripts, and/or audio descriptions

Step #5 - Use Accessibility Best Practices

Apply semantic HTML, sufficient color contrast, descriptive hyperlinks, labeled form controls, and meaningful alt text for images.

Review GMU's ICT Accessibility Standards

Step #6 - Partner with OUB and ITS

Report template or system‑wide accessibility issues to OUB and ITS Web Admin to improve the accessibility of all Mason sites.

Report Web Accessibility Issues Have questions? Contact the IT Accessibility Coordinator

Step #7 - Get Training

Build your team’s knowledge and skills with the ATI's self-guided trainings and linked resources.

Training Workshops (Mini-Courses, DAF, & TTW)
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