What is VPAT and ACR and does your company need one?

As part of ensuring accessibility, businesses must often navigate complex compliance requirements. If your company provides software, hardware, or other digital products and services, you may have encountered terms like VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) and ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report). But what do these terms mean, and why are they important? This blog will provide a clear overview of VPAT and ACR, their significance, and whether your company needs one.

Key terms and links to learn more:

VPAT – Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. Standardized Template used to create ACR. In practice, this term often used instead of ACR.
ACR – Accessibility Conformance Report. Standardized document used to report accessibility compliance of a website or app
ITIC – Organization that provides training and VPAT document templates

What Is a VPAT?

A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a standardized document used to report the accessibility compliance of a product or service against recognized standards, such as:

Section 508: U.S. federal accessibility standards.
WCAG 2.1: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
EN 301 549: Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services in the European Union.

The VPAT template is maintained and updated by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). When completed, a VPAT becomes an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), which outlines how accessible a product is, the standards it meets, and any limitations or “accessibility blockers” users may encounter. In practice, the terms VPAT and ACR are often used interchangeably. The VPAT document provides a structured method for vendors and manufacturers to declare their product’s compliance level using categories like:

Supports
Partially Supports
Does Not Support
Not Applicable

Sample Page from ACR Document — Figure 1: Sample page from ACR document listing WCAG criteria, conformance level and remarks on compliance.

These categories help organizations and clients understand the accessibility strengths and weaknesses of a product. You’d often find ACR (or VPAT :)) in companies Accessibility statement. We have one as well!

Why Is a VPAT Important?

1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

In the United States, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that all electronic and information technology (ICT) used or procured by federal agencies must be accessible to people with disabilities. This means that if your company wants to sell ICT products to federal agencies, you’ll need to prove your product’s accessibility compliance through a VPAT. Other organizations that may require a VPAT include:

Public schools and libraries.
Military organizations.
US companies and organizations receiving federal funding
Businesses prioritizing accessibility compliance hopefully it means your organization!

Internationally, accessibility regulations vary, but similar requirements exist in regions like the European Union (EN 301 549) and for general web accessibility (WCAG 2.2).

2. Demonstrating Commitment to Accessibility

Creating a VPAT shows that your company values inclusivity and is dedicated to providing accessible solutions. This can significantly enhance your brand reputation, giving you a competitive edge in markets where accessibility is a priority.

3. Boosting User Experience

Accessibility is usability. By documenting and addressing accessibility barriers, companies can improve their product’s user experience for all audiences—not just those with disabilities.

How Is a VPAT Created?

Producing a VPAT involves several steps, typically requiring collaboration between accessibility experts, developers, and product teams. Here’s a general outline:

Define the Scope: Identify the product or service components to be evaluated: Web pages (usually distinct templates), apps, and documents.
Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Use both manual and automated testing methods to evaluate the product’s compliance with WCAG guidelines and other standards.
Document Findings: Record which accessibility criteria are supported, partially supported, or not supported. Include explanations for any limitations.
Perform Remediation: Address accessibility issues identified during the audit to improve accessibility
Update the VPAT: Once fixes are implemented, update the VPAT to reflect changes.
Publish the ACR: Make the ACR available on your website or provide it upon request.

The cost and time involved in creating a VPAT depend on the scope of the audit, the complexity of the product, and the level of remediation required.

Does Your Company Need a VPAT?

If your organization develops or sells digital products and services, particularly to federal agencies, educational institutions, or other public sector clients, a VPAT is essential. Even if your target market doesn’t explicitly require one, creating a VPAT can:

Highlight gaps in your accessibility compliance.
Drive improvements in product usability and inclusivity.
Position your company as a leader in accessibility.
Boost your sales!

VPAT vs. Accessibility Audit: What’s the Difference?

While a VPAT focuses on documenting accessibility compliance, an accessibility audit is a more detailed process designed to identify and fix accessibility issues. Key differences include:

VPAT: A formal document used to report compliance. It doesn’t provide recommendations or a roadmap for remediation.
Accessibility Audit: A comprehensive evaluation of a product’s accessibility. It includes detailed findings, recommendations, and priorities for remediation.

Both are important, but they serve different purposes depending on your company’s goals.

Final Thoughts

Accessibility is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. By creating a VPAT, your company can demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity, comply with legal requirements, and open doors to new opportunities in the public and private sectors. Whether you’re just beginning your accessibility journey or looking to refine your compliance efforts, a VPAT is an invaluable tool for ensuring your products are accessible to all. If you’re unsure how to get started with VPAT creation, consulting with accessibility experts can help streamline the process and ensure accuracy.