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A “Voluntary Product Accessibility Template”, a VPAT, is a template for which a company documents compliance with accessibility requirements — as is outlined in both Section 508 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). A VPAT covers product accessibility for e-learning, websites, mobile apps, remote access tools, documentation, software, or hardware. No matter what they are for, a VPAT always fulfills the same basic purpose: to serve as a template to both evaluate and demonstrate that your product or service is up to requirements when it comes to being accessible for people — no matter what their needs.
Once completed, your VPAT will be used to create your Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), which will clearly explain the accessibility standards you meet. It also alerts users to any impediments to accessibility they may find.
Technically, the VPAT refers to your voluntary product accessibility template, rather than the filled-out and completed product that goes into creating your ACR. For your organization, the terms are generally used interchangeably.
Although this all may seem like a strange concept, it really is nothing new. Accessibility requirements are everywhere. We are well used to seeing signs indicating a place may not be suitable for wheelchair users, a theme park ride may not be suitable for someone with a heart condition, or a film or TV show may not be suitable for those with epilepsy.
A VPAT, and subsequent ACR, is just a continuation of this process for the digital world, to ensure people with disabilities are aware of what they can use, and where they may find issues.
Also of note: this is a highly litigious area of ADA compliance. Ignore your accessibility at your own risk. Not being accessible can lead to costly lawsuits.
Despite the “voluntary” in “voluntary product accessibility template”, and the fact there is no legal requirement to have a VPAT specifically, there are U.S. federal and EU regulations that lay out vigorous accessibility requirements and transparency for ICT (information and communications technology) products. Without a VPAT, your organization is at greater risk of non-compliance with these standards, which can lead to fines, lawsuits, and embarrassment.
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For example, Section 508 standards of the Rehabilitation Act requires that U.S. federal government agencies ensure that any ICT they develop, procure, maintain, or use meets certain accessibility standards. This applies to all companies that receive federal funding, such as educational institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, mental health centers, and a whole host of others. Similar compliance guidelines are mirrored in the European Accessibility Act and are specified in the EU’s EN 301 549 standard.
In fact, given that the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) actually created the VPAT for vendors to supply the documentation needed to fulfill these requirements 20 years ago, it is safe to say that while they are not a legal requirement, they are indeed a practical one for most organizations worldwide.
Even if your company doesn’t receive federal or EU funding, you may still require some form of accessibility documentation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), for example, requires that any person, business, or organization covered by the act must communicate effectively about their programs, services, and activities with everyone—including people with disabilities.
With regulations and laws such as these, and more in development all the time, it is highly likely that you need to document the accessibility of your ICT product or service. If you don’t, it’s just a matter of time for you to run into problems.
A VPAT is the most efficient, comprehensive, and widely acknowledged way to prevent costly accessibility issues with your digital resources. Also of note: most purchasers of ICT products require a VPAT from the seller to verify the level of ADA compliance for their own purposes.
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"Working with ADACP has been integral to our accessibility efforts. Their expertise, particularly in conducting detailed VPAT audits and reporting, has set a new standard for our operations. One of our most valued customers noted, 'We rarely see a VPAT this detailed and complete.' With ADACP’s support, we not only say we take accessibility seriously—we prove it, earning the confidence of our clients every step of the way."
“Digital accessibility is essential—our clients ask about it, and our customers depend on it. When we partnered with ADACP, we saw firsthand the value of working with an expert team. Their Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs) provided the documentation and guidance we needed, while also reinforcing our commitment to building inclusive, effective tools for all users. ADACP’s team worked quickly to help us ensure our products are accessible in a wide range of contexts—meeting the real-world needs of the educators who rely on our curricula every day.”
"ADACP is an absolutely amazing company, the quality of their work and the patience of their entire team is truly impressive! During our collaboration at SiliconExpert (a subsidiary of Arrow Electronics), they displayed remarkable professionalism in navigating miles of bureaucracy and red tape, keeping a positive attitude during the long process. Their team consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of digital accessibility requirements, making them an invaluable partner in working to ensure our application was inclusive and compliant. I would use them again for any accessibility solution in a heartbeat!"
"We contacted ADACP as part of our search for a third party to conduct our accessibility audit for a VPAT. ADACP stood out due to their excellent value proposition. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of expertise and guidance provided by ADACP during the diligence process, even before contract signing. It was evident from the outset that they were a team of dedicated experts aligned with their mission, mirroring my commitment to ours. The audit was prompt, and the resulting report was comprehensive and well-structured. Our software engineering team utilized the report to address flagged issues efficiently, with the assurance that ADACP is available for further assistance if required. Overall, our experience with ADACP has been highly positive, and I would enthusiastically recommend their expertise to anyone in my network."
"I reached out to ADACP as we were up against a tight timeline to complete our VPAT certification. David and his team accommodated our request for a meeting on very short notice and began the process of reviewing our website right away. Working with ADACP made all the difference in helping us to better understand digital accessibility standards and what we needed to do to improve on various aspects of our product's accessibility, including its user interface, interaction design, and compatibility with assistive technologies. The process didn't take more than a few weeks from start to finish. We are happy to be able to provide better service to our Customers."
"ADACP's thorough understanding of ADA regulations and commitment to excellence has been instrumental in helping us provide an inclusive learning environment for all users. David and the team's responsiveness and streamlined process for remediation make the compliance journey easier. I highly endorse ADACP to any organization seeking reliable solutions for digital accessibility compliance."
"Working with ADACP has been integral to our accessibility efforts. Their expertise, particularly in conducting detailed VPAT audits and reporting, has set a new standard for our operations. One of our most valued customers noted, 'We rarely see a VPAT this detailed and complete.' With ADACP’s support, we not only say we take accessibility seriously—we prove it, earning the confidence of our clients every step of the way."
A VPAT is a free accessibility reporting template developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), a leading tech policy group. This document explains how well your digital product meets accessibility standards. It is used to show buyers how accessible your website, app or software is for people with disabilities.
Read the full guide on VPAT report here.
An ACR is the final report you get after completing a VPAT. It details how accessible your product is based on WCAG, Section 508, and EN 301 549 rules. Businesses often include the ACR in proposals or on their websites to prove they meet compliance expectations. Need an ACR? We can create one for your product after a full accessibility audit. Contact us for a free consultation.
VPAT 2.4 and VPAT 2.5 are updated templates released by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). They reflect the latest accessibility frameworks mentioned in WCAG 2.2. A VPAT provides clearer guidance for reporting accessibility across different platforms. Complete your VPAT today to test the accessibility of web, mobile apps, hardware and software.
VPAT testing includes reviewing your digital product against accessibility guidelines. This usually involves both automated scans and manual testing. Experts use screen readers, keyboard navigation and other assistive technologies to complete the evaluation. After testing, the results are used to fill out the VPAT and generate the ACR.
Yes, you can download a VPAT template and fill it out yourself but be careful. Accessibility standards are complex, and mistakes in the report can hurt your credibility. That is why many businesses choose a professional audit to ensure the report is accurate and defensible.
Read more about how we create an VPAT ACR
You start by getting your product tested for accessibility. At ADACP, we conduct a comprehensive audit and generate a detailed VPAT and ACR tailored to your platform. This includes quick and effective support during remediation. Schedule a free consultation to learn how we complete your VPAT process confidently.
A VPAT can assess your product against several international standards, including:
• WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
• Section 508 (US Federal standard)
• EN 301 549 (European accessibility standard)
• Revised 508 and ADA updates depending on your market
The VPAT template allows you to select which standards apply based on your audience and the regions you serve.
A VPAT shows clients, particularly in government and education sectors that your product is accessible and inclusive. It opens doors to federal contracts, strengthens your brand image and lowers your legal risk. A VPAT is proof that you care about usability and compliance.
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