1. George Mason University
Kristine Neuber, Ph.D
Position : IT Accessibility Coordinator
Full-time Assistive Technology Initiative
Under Compliance, Diversity and Ethics (CDE) Office
Primary Responsibilities
Develop and maintain University guidelines for Electronic and Information Technology
Review software and web application purchases for accessibility
Perform regular audits of institutional web sites, applications and web- based documents

2. Accessibility Structure/Partnerships
Assistive Technology Initiative
Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility
Assistive Technology Accommodations and Training
Accessible Text
Captioning
EIT Partnerships
Architecture Standards Review Board (ASRB)
Purchasing & Library
Catch purchases that may not go through ASRB Approval
Web Development Team
Included accessibility as a step in their development/approval process
ID Team and Office of Distance Education
Accessibility training provided for Academic Units c/o Instructional Designers (IDs)
Course Portfolio Accessibility Reviews

3. Architecture Standards Review Board
The Architecture Standards Review Board (ASRB) is under the Architecture Standards Committee and is responsible for approving the beginning of a given project.
ASRB
Security
Integration
Server Management
Accessibility

4. Architecture Standards Review Board
Projects under the purview…include:
Requests for new development, installation and/or integration of applications
Mobile apps developed by university faculty and staff, and students
Software produced by 3rd party vendors including pilot projects.
Committee will NOT review upgrades, bug fixes, and incremental improvements to existing programs.

5. Accessibility Review
ATI provides a Risk Analysis and Recommendations for Mason purchaser following an evaluation which includes:
Requests for VPAT and demonstration for manual evaluation
If possible an automated tests (i.e. OzART, Wave, etc.)
Manual test of the application.
An Accessibility Evaluation Report is provided listing specific accessibility issues, examples and recommendations – this is often provided to the vendor.
A Risk Analysis outlines University Accessibility Policies, identifies key accessibility issues and provides recommendations for the department and vendor should they choose to move forward with the purchase.

6. Managing Exceptions
All applications that are reviewed by the ASRB are reviewed for accessibility provided there is a user- interface.
Requesting office/department is responsible for making the decision to move forward with the purchase given the information provided in the Risk Analysis.
Requesting office is responsible for implementing recommendations provided in the report.
ATI will work with the vendor to explain accessibility issues and monitor the development of a roadmap.
Approved
Rejected
Closed
Not Applicable

7. Determining Level of Risk
Rating
Probability
Severity
High
Required by all students & employees
Used in required courses
Used by known AT Users
Significant accessibility issues in many areas, that could affect several different disability categories.
Accessibility issues with many components (forms, tables, keyboard access, alt-text)
Medium
Used in electives or programs that do not typically have candidates with significant physical or visual impairments
Some accessibility issues, but buy-in from the vendor with timeline to implement fixes.
Application is designed and controlled by Mason.
Low
Not a required resource
Used in a very specific office/unit
Not used by students or a large number of employees
Minimal to no accessibility issues
Plan in place to work with vendor to resolve issues before implementation
Application is designed and controlled by Mason

8. Safeguards and Follow-up
The Standard Accessibility Statement must be included in the purchasing contract.
A contact person identified to be a liaison between the department purchasing the application and the ATI
Requesting office is asked to include the EIT Accessibility Statement on their web site.
EIT Accessibility Statement
In accordance with University Policy 1308, George Mason University is committed to providing equivalent access to all electronic and information technology (EIT) resources. We are actively working towards this goal. If you encounter difficulties accessing any of the resources offered through this site, please contact XXXXXX*.
All issues will be addressed in a timely manner and, if necessary, reasonable accommodations will be provided to ensure equivalent access. For more information about Mason's commitment to EIT accessibility, please visit  
* – Refers to the individual or unit who is the point of contact for addressing these issues.

9. Standard Accessibility Statement
All e-learning and information technology developed, purchased, upgraded or renewed by or for the use of George Mason University shall comply with all applicable University policies, Federal and State laws and regulations including but not limited to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d), the Information Technology Access Act, §§ through of the Code of Virginia, as amended, and all other regulations promulgated under Title II of The Americans with Disabilities Act which are applicable to all benefits, services, programs, and activities provided by or on behalf of the University. The Contractor shall also comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.