What Is a VPAT and Do I Need One?

If you’re responsible for a digital product or website, chances are you’ve heard of a VPAT. But what exactly is it, and do you really need one?

In this guide, we break down the essentials of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), why it matters, and how the team at a11ypros.com can help you handle every part of the process.

What Is a VPAT?

A VPAT, or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, is a standardized document that outlines how your digital product conforms to accessibility standards such as:

WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
Section 508 (U.S. federal procurement requirements)
EN 301 549 (European standard)

The VPAT results in an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), which communicates how accessible your software, web app, or digital tool is to people with disabilities.

Who Needs a VPAT?

You may need a VPAT if:

You’re selling to government agencies or public institutions
Your customers request one during procurement
You want to demonstrate accessibility maturity to clients and users
You’re preparing for compliance audits or litigation risks

Even if you’re not required to provide a VPAT, having one can set you apart in competitive bids, especially in education, healthcare, and enterprise sectors.

What’s Inside a VPAT?

A VPAT includes:

Product name and version
Evaluation methods used (manual and automated testing)
Conformance level to each relevant WCAG guideline (A, AA, AAA)
Notes or explanations for any limitations or exceptions

Creating an accurate VPAT requires both technical accessibility testing and clear, legally accurate documentation.

Common VPAT Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Copy-pasting boilerplate answers without proper testing
❌ Overstating compliance
❌ Failing to update the VPAT after product changes
❌ Using the wrong VPAT edition (e.g., using WCAG 2.0 instead of 2.2)

These mistakes can lead to legal exposure or loss of business opportunities.

How a11ypros.com Can Help

At a11ypros.com, our team of experienced accessibility engineers can help you with:

Full accessibility audits to verify compliance
Manual and automated testing against WCAG 2.2 AA
Authoring VPATs that are accurate and procurement-ready
Remediation guidance if issues are found
Ongoing support as your product evolves

We don’t just hand over a template. We partner with you to ensure your product meets the highest accessibility standards and your documentation reflects that.

Get Started Today

Whether you’re preparing for an RFP, launching a public-sector app, or just want to build a more inclusive product, a VPAT is a critical piece of your accessibility strategy.

Let a11ypros.com guide you through every step of the process.