VPAT & ACR Authoring

The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a standardized document used to report the accessibility of digital products, including websites, SaaS platforms, web apps, mobile apps, and digital content. Once completed, this report is known as an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).

Why VPATs Matter

Originally developed for U.S. government procurement to meet Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, VPATs are now widely used by commercial organizations to demonstrate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since both Section 508 and the ADA rely on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the foundation for accessibility standards, an ACR provides a common framework for documenting digital accessibility across industries.

Latest VPAT Versions (VPAT 2.5)

In fall 2023, VPAT 2.5 was released, incorporating updates for WCAG 2.2 and refining compliance for different regulatory requirements in the U.S. and Europe:

VPAT 2.5 Rev 508: Covers U.S. Federal Section 508 accessibility standards.

VPAT 2.5 Rev EU: Addresses EN 301 549, the European Union’s accessibility standard for ICT products and services.

VPAT 2.5 Rev WCAG: Reports compliance with WCAG 2.0-2.2 or ISO/IEC 40500.

VPAT 2.5 INT: A comprehensive version incorporating all three of the above standards.

VPAT 2.5 EU Edition: Specifically designed for compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA).

Starting June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates that any company serving EU citizens must comply with EN 301 549. This standard aligns with WCAG 2.1 AA requirements, and the VPAT 2.5 EU Edition is specifically designed to document compliance.

How the VPAT & ACR Process Works

Creating a VPAT requires a comprehensive WCAG audit of the digital product. This audit must be recent and conducted by accessibility professionals. Not everyone is qualified to produce a VPAT—expertise in WCAG compliance and prior experience authoring VPATs are essential.Our team of seasoned accessibility experts, with over 21 years of experience, specializes in VPAT authoring. Our team lead actively contributes to the WCAG 3.0 working group, ensuring our audits and reports are at the forefront of accessibility standards.

Why Choose Us for VPAT Authoring?

Expert-Led Audits: We conduct best-practice audits with human testing for accuracy.

Comprehensive Compliance Reports: We deliver professionally authored VPATs and ACRs.

Proven Experience: 21+ years in digital accessibility consulting.

WCAG 3.0 Leadership: Our experts actively contribute to accessibility standards development.

Ready to ensure your digital product is WCAG and ADA compliant? Contact us today to discuss your VPAT and ACR needs. We’ll help you meet compliance requirements within your timeline and budget.

VPAT & ACR Authoring FAQs

What is a VPAT?

A VPAT is a template used to document how an information and communications technology (ICT) product or service conforms to accessibility standards. When completed, it becomes an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). It's a tool for buyers to assess the accessibility of products they are considering purchasing.

Why is a VPAT important?

A VPAT demonstrates a company’s commitment to digital accessibility and compliance with regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508. It helps organizations selling digital products to government agencies and enterprises meet procurement requirements. Additionally, it provides transparency to potential customers by detailing how well a product aligns with accessibility guidelines.

Who needs a VPAT?

Companies that provide digital products or services, including websites, software, SaaS platforms, and mobile applications, often need a VPAT. Government contractors and businesses that sell to the public sector are typically required to have a VPAT to comply with federal regulations. Enterprises and educational institutions may also request a VPAT as part of their procurement process to ensure accessibility compliance.

How is a VPAT different from an ACR?

A VPAT is the blank template used to evaluate a product’s accessibility, while an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is the completed version of the VPAT. The ACR contains detailed findings from an accessibility audit, outlining how well a product conforms to accessibility standards. The ACR is what businesses provide to clients and government agencies as proof of accessibility compliance.

How do you create a VPAT?

Creating a VPAT requires conducting a comprehensive accessibility audit of the digital product using both automated and manual testing methods. The audit evaluates compliance with WCAG success criteria and identifies any accessibility barriers. Once testing is complete, the findings are documented in the VPAT, following the required format.

Can a company complete a VPAT internally?

While a company can attempt to complete a VPAT internally, it is highly recommended to have an experienced accessibility consultant perform the assessment. Accessibility experts have the technical knowledge to conduct manual testing with assistive technologies, interpret WCAG guidelines accurately, and provide a professionally authored ACR.

What happens if a product does not meet accessibility standards?

If a digital product does not fully comply with accessibility standards, the VPAT or ACR should provide an honest assessment of the issues. Organizations may use the findings to implement remediation strategies, improve accessibility, and provide an updated VPAT once the necessary changes have been made.

Is a VPAT required for ADA compliance?

A VPAT is not a legal requirement for ADA compliance, but it is a widely accepted tool for documenting accessibility conformance. Many organizations voluntarily complete a VPAT to demonstrate their efforts in making their digital products accessible and reducing the risk of legal action related to accessibility violations.

How often should a VPAT be updated?

A VPAT should be updated whenever significant changes are made to a digital product that could impact its accessibility. It is also advisable to update the VPAT when new accessibility standards or regulations are introduced. Keeping an up-to-date VPAT ensures that businesses maintain transparency and compliance with evolving accessibility requirements.

Who can request a VPAT?

Any organization, business, or government agency can request a VPAT. Government entities, educational institutions, and corporations that prioritize digital accessibility often require vendors to provide a VPAT before purchasing software, websites, or digital products. Companies that want to demonstrate their commitment to accessibility and ensure compliance with regulations such as Section 508, the ADA, or the European Accessibility Act may also request a VPAT to assess their own products or services.