Dear CAHNRS Employees,
This notice provides direction regarding accessibility obligations for third-party or linked to digital content shared on behalf of the college. Digital content used to apply for, access, or participate in a university program, service, or activity must comply with WSU, WA State, and Federalaccessibility requirements.
If content hosted on a non-WSU website is required for an individual to apply for, access, or participate in a university program, service, or activity, the university must ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal and effective access to that content. For example, a registration form posted on a fair website that is required for participation in a 4-H program must meet accessibility requirements or an equally effective accessible alternative must be provided by WSU.
As a general rule, you may link to content on non-WSU websites when that content is supplemental and not required for an individual to apply for, access, or participate in a university program, service, or activity. For example, the college may link to general county fair information on an external website even if that website is not fully accessible, provided the information is not required for participation in the 4-H program.
This requirement applies to all required digital materials, including websites, registration forms, instructional documents, and training videos hosted on external platforms. At a minimum, required content must be structured and presented so that it is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities, through features such as text alternatives, captions, keyboard access, meaningful headings, and sufficient color contrast. If required third party content is not accessible, employees should coordinate with their unit leadership to identify a compliant solution. This may include providing an accessible alternative method to complete the task (e.g., an accessible registration option), modifying how the content is delivered, or working with the third party to remediate accessibility barriers.
Employees are responsible for ensuring that required digital content shared on behalf of the college does not create barriers to participation and satisfies accessibility requirements before publication or distribution. Questions regarding compliance should be directed to the appropriate unit lead or accessibility contact in advance of posting.
For additional information on WSU’s policies and requirements, visit the WSU Digital Accessibility website.
Thank you for your attention to this important requirement.