If we took a poll of the initial questions that clients ask us, the below marks the fantastic 15.
Table of Contents
What does VPAT stand for?
VPAT stands for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template.
A VPAT is a standardized template created by the Information Technology Industry Council. Organizations fill in this template to document how their products or services conform to accessibility standards. Once completed, the VPAT becomes an Accessibility Conformance Report that buyers use to evaluate accessibility.
What does ACR stand for?
ACR stands for Accessibility Conformance Report.
An ACR is the completed document that results from filling in a VPAT. While people often use VPAT/ACR interchangeably in the marketplace, the technical distinction matters. The VPAT is the blank template, and the ACR is your finished accessibility documentation.
What’s the difference between a VPAT and an ACR?
A VPAT is the empty template while an ACR is the completed report.
Think of a VPAT like a blank report card and an ACR as the filled-in grade report. The VPAT provides the standardized format, but the ACR contains actual conformance levels, remarks, and explanations about your product’s accessibility against WCAG or other standards.
Are VPATs required by law?
VPATs aren’t directly required by law, but ACRs are mandatory for federal procurement.
Under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, federal agencies must procure accessible products and services. Vendors must provide ACRs to demonstrate accessibility. Many state agencies, universities, and enterprises have adopted similar policies, making ACRs essential for market competitiveness.
Who can fill out a VPAT?
Anyone can fill out a VPAT, but independent third-party providers are preferred.
While technically anyone can complete a VPAT, discerning buyers prefer ACRs issued by reputable accessibility companies. Self-issued ACRs face skepticism due to potential bias. Organizations typically lack the expertise needed for proper accessibility evaluation across multiple methodologies.
Do I need an audit before creating a VPAT?
Yes, you need a comprehensive audit before accurately filling in a VPAT.
You cannot accurately complete the accessibility table without thoroughly evaluating your product against WCAG standards. This requires screen reader testing, keyboard testing, visual inspection, code inspection, and other methodologies. Automated scans alone are insufficient for proper evaluation.
Which VPAT edition should I use?
The WCAG edition works for most situations unless you have specific requirements.
Four editions exist: WCAG, Section 508, EN 301 549, and INT. Accessible.org uses the WCAG edition as the default since it covers Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and suits virtually all digital products and services. Choose others only for specific compliance needs.
Is a VPAT the same as accessibility certification?
No, VPATs are not certification of accessibility conformance.
An ACR provides an accounting of accessibility but doesn’t certify conformance with technical standards or compliance with laws. However, a well-documented ACR showing strong accessibility can provide significant advantages in procurement processes where accessibility documentation is required.
How long does it take to complete a VPAT?
Most providers complete VPATs within one to four weeks depending on scope.
The timeline depends on your digital asset’s complexity, audit scope, and whether you choose remediation before ACR issuance. Accessible.org typically delivers ACRs within one to two weeks. Rush orders can reduce this timeframe when urgent procurement deadlines exist.
What information goes in the remarks and explanations column?
The remarks column must explain any partial supports or non-conformance entries.
When your conformance level shows “Partially Supports” or “Does Not Support,” you must identify which functions have issues and how they fail to meet criteria. Empty remarks columns make ACRs nearly worthless. Even for “Supports” entries, explanatory remarks strengthen credibility.
Can I update my VPAT after product changes?
You need a new ACR after significant product updates or accessibility fixes.
ACRs should reflect your current product state. After major version releases, accessibility remediation, or substantial feature changes, you need updated documentation. Some organizations refresh ACRs annually to maintain current accessibility status for ongoing procurement opportunities.
What does “Supports” mean in a VPAT?
“Supports” means your product meets the criterion without known accessibility defects.
This conformance level indicates your product has at least one method that fully satisfies the WCAG success criterion. For web content, you can use “Supports” even when no applicable content exists, since criteria are satisfied when they don’t apply.
Are VPATs only for websites?
VPATs are designed for products and services, not specifically websites.
While websites can be included when they’re part of a product or service, VPATs focus on Information and Communication Technology products and services. This includes software, hardware, web applications, mobile apps, and support documentation rather than standalone websites.
How much do VPAT services cost?
VPAT services typically cost $350 – $1,000 for fill in the template and then the price of the audit.
Costs depend on audit complexity, number of pages or screens, testing environments, and whether you choose mobile evaluation. The audit represents the majority of costs, while completing the VPAT itself adds a smaller additional fee for professional documentation.
What tracking tools help manage remediation?
Accessibility Tracker platform simplifies tracking fixes and validation during remediation.
After receiving your audit report, you need to track which issues are fixed and validated. We always recommend Accessibility Tracker for managing remediation workflows. It allows you to upload audit reports, mark issues as complete, and collaborate with validation teams efficiently.
Bonus FAQ
Q: Can I create multiple VPATs for the same product? A: Yes, complex products may benefit from separate ACRs for different components like web interfaces, mobile apps, and documentation. Explain this approach in the notes section and reference related reports.
Q: What happens if my product doesn’t fully conform to WCAG standards? A: Partial conformance doesn’t disqualify your product from consideration. Buyers understand that perfect accessibility is rare and evaluate products based on intended use, core functionality impact, and available workarounds.
Q: How often should I update my ACR? A: Update your ACR after significant product changes, accessibility remediation, when procurement requirements change, or every one to two years to maintain current documentation for ongoing opportunities.
Q: Do automated scans count as proper evaluation for VPATs? A: No, automated scans alone are insufficient. Proper evaluation requires multiple methodologies including screen reader testing, keyboard testing, visual inspection, and code inspection. Scans can supplement but never replace manual evaluation.
Q: Can I alter my ACR after it’s been issued? A: No, don’t alter ACRs after issuance as they can have legal implications. If changes are needed, request a new evaluation and ACR from your provider to maintain document integrity and accuracy.