The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) evaluates how accessible a particular product is according to the Accessibility Guidelines. This self-disclosing document details each aspect of the accessibility requirements and how the product supports each criteria. To learn more about VPAT, go to Understanding VPAT.
On this page:
When is a VPAT needed?
- Anytime there is a product.
- If a RFPs requires a VPAT certification, that is an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), from your organization.
- State, Local and Federal Governments and Education asked for VPATs
- The 3rd party companies, like chat systems, or checkouts, requested VPATs.
- Websites and development of sites do not apply.
Which VPAT edition should I use?
The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template or VPAT® is available in four editions. This table describes the purpose and differences between each edition:
|
VPAT Edition |
Focus |
Usage |
Applicable Standards |
|---|---|---|---|
|
VPAT 2.5 508 |
Section 508 Compliance |
Used primarily by U.S. federal agencies to demonstrate compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Typically used by the U.S. federal agencies and vendors. Entities who qualify under Section 504 may also use this VPAT. Note that this VPAT incorporates WCAG 2.0 AA rather than 2.1. |
Revised Section 508 standards, includes WCAG 2.0 AA |
|
VPAT 2.5 WCAG |
WCAG Conformance |
Ideal for organizations focusing on web accessibility, typically used by private-sector entities and state/local governments in the U.S. Appropriate to use during private procurement where no additional standards need to be addressed. |
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 (ISO/IEC 40500) |
|
VPAT 2.5 EU |
European Accessibility Standards |
Designed for organizations that need to demonstrate conformance with European Union accessibility requirements, typically as part of European public-sector procurement processes |
EN 301 549 standards, includes WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 |
|
VPAT 2.5 INT |
International Standards |
A comprehensive edition that combines all the above standards, useful for global organizations that need to demonstrate compliance across multiple jurisdictions, potentially involving a mix of U.S. and European Union procurement. |
Section 508, EN 301 549, WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 |
What to consider when choosing a VPAT edition?
Review the following recommendations:
- As a general default, we recommend Rev WCAG (2.1 AA), unless there is a reason to believe another VPAT edition is called for. For example, if your organization sells products to the public sector, opt for a VPAT that matches the desired procurement standards.
- Choose a VPAT edition that aligns with your needs and the market requirements. A VPAT with additional standards that are not required might not be beneficial. With additional standards come additional accessibility considerations and your product or service might not meet them. Procurement teams might view this as a mark against the accessibility of your product or service, even if the additional standards are not essential to the procurement process, or needed for the intended use of the product or service.
- Ultimately, if you are not sure which VPAT to use, ask the procurement team to which you will need to submit the resulting Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
Can I change my VPAT edition?
Yes. You want to have new ACRs issued as time progresses. Get a new ACR in the following circumstances:
- Your product or service changes notably.
- Your product improved accessibility from the initial issuance.
- A significant amount of time has passed since the initial ACR was issued.
- Your initial assessment was performed by an unknown provider.
Thus, you are not locked into a single VPAT edition. You can change the VPAT edition in your next accessibility assessment.
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