Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®)

Why VPATs Matter

For organizations selling to the U.S. federal government, state agencies, or educational institutions, a VPAT is often mandatory. Without one, vendors may not even qualify to bid for contracts under federal procurement laws.

But the VPAT isn’t only about compliance it’s also about transparency, trust, and inclusivity. Companies that openly share their accessibility status show commitment to equal digital access and inclusive design. For businesses in private sectors, it can also serve as a competitive advantage when dealing with large enterprises or global partners that prioritize accessibility in their procurement policies.

A VPAT demonstrates:

👉 Learn more about VPAT Generation Audits and Section 508 Requirements to see how VPATs apply in procurement.

VPAT Editions and Standards

The VPAT is not a one-size-fits-all template. There are different editions, each designed for specific markets or accessibility laws:

These templates ensure that your accessibility documentation meets local, federal, and international requirements crucial for businesses planning to expand from the U.S. to Canada or the EU.

👉 For international market support, explore our International Accessibility Compliance solutions.

What Information Does a VPAT Include?

A wellprepared VPAT provides detailed insight into how your product performs against accessibility standards. It generally includes:

• Product Information Name, version, release date, vendor, and evaluation details.
• Standards/Guidelines Evaluated Which accessibility standards were tested (e.g., Section 508, WCAG 2.1, EN 301 549).
• Conformance Table Each accessibility requirement is listed along with a rating (Supports, Partially Supports, Does Not Support, or Not Applicable).
• Remarks and Explanations Clear details about any limitations, exceptions, or planned fixes.
• Evaluation Methods Description of testing methods, assistive technologies used, and manual or automated tests performed.
• Contact Information Details for accessibility inquiries or followup questions.

Legal and Business Importance of a VPAT

Under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, all federal agencies must procure accessible technology. Vendors who fail to provide an upto date VPAT can be disqualified from government contracts or face compliance rejections.

Beyond federal law, private organizations are also beginning to require VPATs from software vendors as part of their corporate accessibility policies. A VPAT demonstrates due diligence and helps minimize risk by documenting accessibility efforts transparently.

👉 Learn how to protect your business from legal exposure with our Industry Accessibility Solutions.

How to Create an Effective VPAT

Creating a VPAT requires technical knowledge and accurate reporting. Here’s the general process:

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit Begin with a professional accessibility audit against WCAG 2.1 A/AA or Section 508.
2. Document Findings Note all areas that meet, partially meet, or fail to meet the standard.
3. Complete the Template Fill out the VPAT form clearly and objectively. Avoid vague or misleading language.
4. Provide Explanations For any “Does Not Support” areas, explain why and what will be done to fix it.
5. Review Internally Ensure legal and compliance teams verify accuracy before release.
6. Update Regularly Refresh your VPAT with every major product release or accessibility improvement.

A wellwritten VPAT is not just a document it’s a statement of your product’s maturity, inclusiveness, and readiness for the modern accessibility landscape.

VPAT and Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)

Once your VPAT is filled out, it becomes an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) the final deliverable used by procurement teams to assess compliance. The ACR summarizes all findings in an easy to read format and acts as a public or private record of accessibility performance.

Government agencies and educational institutions rely heavily on ACRs during vendor evaluations. Having a professional, upto date ACR ensures your product stands out as a reliable, accessible solution.