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).

VPAT 2.5 EU Edition & 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.