Third-Party Content and Products
If you plan to use third-party content (links, documents, images, videos, tools, etc.) in your course or work at WMU, you are responsible for making sure it’s accessible before you post or share it. Before you purchase, download or use any third-party digital product (tool, app, etc.)—even if it’s free—it must go through WMU’s IT Planning and Compliance Review process.
A third party is anyone outside WMU who isn’t acting under WMU’s direction, such as members of the public, outside companies or other external groups. Third-party content includes anything they create.
When you choose to use third-party content
Before using third-party content, you must:
- Confirm it’s already accessible,
- Take steps to make it accessible, or
- If allowed under WMU's Digital Accessibility Policy (coming soon), provide a temporary accessible alternative.
Example: If you add an externally developed tool (such as a calendar, map, reservation system or payment tool) to a WMU website, it must meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
When the law requires you to use outside content
If you are legally required to use materials created and controlled by a government agency (such as State of Michigan documents, federal government documents, or the USCIS Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification), you do not have to make this content accessible.
However, you must still ensure people with disabilities can access and complete it by:
- Offering assistance to complete forms.
- Providing alternate formats upon request.
- Making WMU’s instructions accessible.
- Documenting WMU’s accommodation process and reporting it appropriately.
Best practice: Notify the government agency about the accessibility issue and report it internally at WMU, so barriers can be escalated if needed.
Alternative to hosting inaccessible forms:
- Link directly to the official state or federal site.
- Clearly state that the content is maintained by that agency.
- Add a support message such as: "If you have difficulty accessing this form, please contact us for assistance."
When vendors or contractors use third‑party content
If WMU hires a vendor or contractor and they use external content for a WMU purpose, you are still responsible for ensuring it’s accessible.
Exception: If a Temporary Alternative Access Plan (TAAP) is approved, you must provide an accessible alternative during the exception period.
When external users post content on WMU platforms
If outside individuals or groups post their own content on WMU-controlled platforms (such as message boards or apps), you are not responsible for making their content accessible.
However, you are responsible for ensuring that the WMU platform is accessible.