What is a VPAT?
VPAT is an acronym for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. It serves as a guide, utilizing Section 508 Standards to evaluate the accessibility of information and communication technology (ICT) products.
VPATs are typically self-disclosing documents, developed and produced by the vendor of an ICT product. This assists customers in understanding how the product complies with each Section 508 requirement and how it supports the relevant criteria.
VPAT as an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)
VPATs can be considered Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) for ICT products. VPAT testing is undertaken on these products to gather data and information essential for their creation.
These products encompass applications, websites, hardware, software, electronic products, and associated documentation. A crucial step in developing a product-specific VPAT involves using the official VPAT Form, hosted by the Information Technology Industrial Council (ITI).
The ITI provides the VPAT Form in four editions, allowing ICT vendors to develop ACRs based on standards suitable for their specific markets. The currently available editions are:
- VPAT 2.4 Rev INT of February 2020: This version integrates VPAT 2.4 Rev WCAG, VPAT 2.4 Rev 508, and VPAT 2.4 Rev EU.
- VPAT 2.4 Rev WCAG of February 2020: This version was specifically designed with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 in mind.
- VPAT 2.4 Rev 508 of February 2020: This version was created to align with the Section 508 Accessibility Standard.
- VPAT 2.4 Rev EU of February 2020: This version was developed to align with the European Union’s accessibility requirements for public procurement of ICT products and services in Europe.
The various editions of the VPAT Form are typically available in Microsoft Word format. They require detailed information related to:
- Section 508 (2017 Refresh)
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
- Accessibility Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements (Levels A, AA, and AAA)
- European Accessibility Standards (EN 301)
Is an Accessibility VPAT Mandatory?
As the name implies, VPATs are voluntary. They were originally created to assist ICT product vendors in adhering to US Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
This act mandates that federal government entities make ICT accessible to people with disabilities. However, if you are a vendor wishing to sell or lease your ICT products to the federal government or any of its agencies, providing a VPAT becomes a de facto requirement.
Though conducting VPAT testing and developing VPATs is at the vendor's discretion, federal government entities actively seek to purchase products that are VPAT-certified.
To provide your ICT products to government agencies, you must have a VPAT. Without one, your ICT product will be excluded from federal procurements.
This exclusion can result in a loss of potential revenue due to your inability to access the federal government market. This can occur even if your products are comparable to, or superior to, those offered by competitors who secure federal government contracts because they possess VPATs.
Given that holding a VPAT for each of your ICT products ensures access to all potential consumers, it is astute business practice to consider VPATs as an essential requirement for your business’s success.
How Long is a VPAT Valid?
As a business-savvy vendor who recognizes the value of a VPAT in opening market opportunities for your ICT products, an out-of-date VPAT is the last thing you want.
Smart vendors regularly commission VPAT testing for their ICT products. This proactive approach allows them to identify and address any accessibility issues, ensuring compliance with Section 508 Standards as they are periodically updated.
Regularly updating VPATs, ideally on an annual basis, also helps to mitigate any potential consequences arising from noncompliance issues.
Who Can Create a VPAT?
There are no legal restrictions on who can create a VPAT; anyone is permitted to do so. Businesses typically have two primary options for creating VPATs for their ICT products.
They can either engage an impartial third-party to conduct the testing and provide the VPAT report, or they can assign the task to an internal team or individual.
It is crucial to understand that the majority of the questions within a VPAT are highly technical. They demand specialized knowledge of both accessibility principles and each provision covered by the VPAT document.
It is often impractical for vendor staff members to possess sufficient knowledge of these intricate Section 508 and accessibility issues to accurately complete the VPAT. Therefore, hiring a qualified specialist who is knowledgeable about Section 508 and accessibility to conduct thorough VPAT testing will help ensure the creation of an accurate and concise VPAT.
This approach protects you from noncompliance litigation while simultaneously unlocking business potential. Remember, navigating the procurement process with the federal government and its agencies is frequently a challenging endeavor.
This complexity exists even without the additional headaches of pushbacks and challenges caused by ineffective VPATs. Hiring a competent third party to create the VPAT for you is your best strategy to ensure objective VPAT testing that delivers an accurate and high-quality VPAT.
What Does VPAT Certification Mean?
The term "VPAT certification" is frequently used within the accessibility community. This often leads individuals to mistakenly believe that creating a VPAT for an ICT product results in receiving a formal certificate from a recognized authority.
In reality, there is neither a universally recognized certification nor a specific body responsible for "VPAT certification." Instead, VPAT certification refers to the process of creating a VPAT for your ICT product.
This entails generating the necessary information to complete the official VPAT template, filling out the template comprehensively, and rectifying any accessibility issues or errors in your ICT product based on the findings of your VPAT testing or audit.
What is generally referred to as a "VPAT certificate" is essentially the Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). This is the precisely and concisely completed VPAT that you produce following the VPAT testing.
The VPAT certificate, or simply the VPAT, is commonly made available online for easy access and review by customers of the related ICT product. Alternatively, some businesses provide it upon request.
Need More Information or Help with the VPAT?
You can reach us at (626) 486-2201 if you have any additional questions concerning the VPAT. You can also use this link to get in touch with our sales team.
They will be happy to assist you with any questions you have about the VPAT and can even arrange a meeting to discuss your specific requirements for VPAT testing and certification.