Web Accessibility is the practice of making web content usable by everyone, including those who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, or voice recognition tools.
As a public university, George Mason is required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide accessible digital services, including websites and webpages.
All websites on the ‘gmu.edu’ domain must follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. Default themes on the Mason WordPress and SiteMasonry CMS platforms align with WCAG 2.1, Level AA guidelines.
To maintain compliance, all content (text, images, video, audio, and documents) added to any George Mason website must also follow these requirements. George Mason’s Assistive Technology Initiative (ATI) office monitors the university’s website collection for WCAG 2.1 compliance.
Web content managers are responsible for promptly correcting any content flagged as noncompliant. Failure to meet web accessibility standards may result in site deactivation.
Related Regulations and Policies
Federal Regulations
- Americans with Disabilities Act – Title II – Updated June 24, 2024
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
Commonwealth Regulations
- Virginia HB2541 - Information Technology Access Act
- Virginia IT Agency - IT Accessibility and Website Standards
University Policies
- 1201 - Non-Discrimination Policy
- 1203 - Non-Discrimination and Reasonable Accommodation on the Basis of Disability
- 1307 - Procurement and/or Development of Administrative Systems/Applications
- 1308 - Information and Communications Technology Accessibility