VPAT
Key facts about VPAT
- Full name: Voluntary Product Accessibility Template
- Developed by: Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)
- Purpose: Document how digital products support accessibility standards
- Common standards referenced: WCAG, Section 508, EN 301 549
- Output document: Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)
- Typical use: Accessibility evaluation and procurement review for digital products
What is the VPAT definition?
A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a document used to report how a digital product or service aligns with accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Section 508, or EN 301 549.
The template allows organizations to describe accessibility features, known limitations, and testing results for websites, software platforms, applications, and digital services.
VPATs are commonly used in procurement processes where accessibility information is required.
VPAT meaning
VPAT stands for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template.
The template was originally developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) to provide a consistent way for vendors to communicate accessibility information about their products.
A VPAT typically evaluates accessibility support for:
- Websites
- Software platforms
- Mobile applications
- Digital tools and services
- Electronic documents
The document helps organizations understand how a product addresses accessibility standards.
Why VPATs are used
VPATs are often used in accessibility reviews and procurement processes to provide transparency about accessibility features.
Organizations may request a VPAT when evaluating software or digital services used in environments such as:
- Government agencies
- Educational institutions
- Public sector organizations
- Corporate procurement processes
The document helps stakeholders review accessibility information when selecting technology vendors.
VPAT and accessibility standards
VPAT documents are commonly used to report how products align with specific accessibility standards.
These standards may include:
- WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
- Section 508 accessibility requirements in the United States
- EN 301 549 accessibility standard used in the European Union
Each VPAT typically identifies which accessibility criteria apply and how the product addresses them.
Accessibility conformance report (ACR)
When a VPAT is completed for a product, the resulting document is often referred to as an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
The ACR summarizes how the product performs against accessibility conformance criteria and provides details such as:
- Accessibility features
- Areas that partially support accessibility requirements
- Known accessibility limitations
- Additional accessibility notes
Organizations reviewing a VPAT may use the ACR to better understand the accessibility characteristics of a product.
Types of VPAT editions
Different VPAT editions exist to align with specific accessibility standards.
VPAT edition | Accessibility standard covered |
|---|---|
VPAT WCAG edition | Web Content Accessibility Guidelines |
VPAT Section 508 edition | U.S. federal accessibility requirements |
VPAT EN 301 549 edition | European accessibility requirements |
VPAT international edition | Combined accessibility standards |
These templates help organizations report accessibility information in a structured and consistent format.
VPAT and accessibility testing
Creating a VPAT typically involves evaluating a product against accessibility criteria through testing and accessibility reviews.
This evaluation may involve:
- Automated accessibility scanning
- Manual accessibility testing
- Assistive technology testing
- Accessibility audits
Testing results help document how accessibility features are supported within the product.
VPAT and digital accessibility policies
VPATs are often referenced in accessibility programs and procurement processes where accessibility information is required.
Examples include:
- Government procurement requirements
- Public sector accessibility policies
- Accessibility evaluation processes used by educational institutions
These documents help organizations review accessibility information when selecting digital products or services.
Related accessibility terms
Frequently asked questions
A VPAT is a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template used to document how a digital product aligns with accessibility standards such as WCAG or Section 508.
A VPAT is the template used to report accessibility information, while the completed document is commonly called an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
VPATs are typically prepared by vendors, developers, or accessibility specialists who evaluate how a product addresses accessibility criteria.
VPATs are often requested during procurement processes where organizations want to review accessibility information about digital products.
Adam is the Head of Digital Marketing at Clym, where he leverages his diverse expertise in marketing to support businesses with their compliance needs and drive awareness about data privacy and web accessibility. As one of the company’s original team members, Adam has been instrumental in shaping its journey from the very beginning. When he’s not diving into marketing strategies, Adam can be found cheering on his favorite sports teams or enjoying fishing.
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