Third-Party Content Accessibility

Third-Party Content Accessibility

Third-Party Content Overview 

We are responsible for ensuring that all materials used and shared are accessible to everyone — even when those materials are created or hosted by third-party publishers or external websites. This page explains how to evaluate third-party content, request accessible alternatives, and provide equivalent access when accessibility gaps exist. 

Accessibility and Publishers 

Many commonly used publishers and content providers (e.g., Pearson, McGraw-Hill, Cengage) offer accessibility statements and may provide accessible versions of their materials upon request. However, accessibility can vary by product, format, or platform, and faculty should not assume that all publisher-provided content is fully accessible without review. 

What Faculty Can Do 

Faculty must assess any critical instructional content that directs students to external platforms, files, or websites and confirm that the content is accessible to all students. If accessibility cannot be verified or barriers are identified, faculty are responsible for ensuring that an accessible, equivalent alternative is available. 

In Summary: 

  • Review the publisher’s accessibility documentation for the specific product being used 

  • Report accessibility barriers directly to the publisher or platform provider 

  • Document requests and responses related to accessibility support 

Note: Publishers are responsible for providing accessible versions of their materials, but we often must request those versions to initiate the process. 

Clarity: Content that is considered critical that must meet accessibility standards or have an accessible alternative is anything that is required to complete assignments, assessments, or understand core course concepts. 

If you have a publisher you're using that you'd like additional accessibility review of, please reach out to accessibility@cumberland.edu. 

What if Third-Party Content is Not Accessible? 

Seek Accessible Alternatives 
Request an Accessible Version 

  • Contact the publisher or their accessibility or customer service department to request an accessible file or alternative format.  

  • Search for the same article, case study, or research content available as a webpage and provide that link as an accessible alternative 

  • If the above are not available, seek permission from the content owner to create an accessible alternative 

Use Library or Open-Access Resources 

  • Consider library-licensed materials that have already been vetted for accessibility 

  • Explore open-access or openly licensed alternatives that meet accessibility standards and support the same learning objectives 

Provide Supplementary or Equivalent Materials 

When an accessible version is not immediately available, faculty may need to provide supplementary materials that convey the same information and instructional value. These materials must be equivalent substitutes.  

Examples include: 

  • Text-based summaries of key concepts or findings 

  • Detailed descriptions of images, charts, or diagrams included in the original content 

  • Alternative readings, captioned videos, or accessible datasets covering the same learning goals 

Do You Have High-Priority Exceptions? 

If there is a high-priority course document that cannot meet the accessibility standards outlined above, faculty may request support from Accessibility Services. Preferably, filling out the request form found on the website.