What Is a VPAT and Why Does It Matter for ADA Compliance?
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a standardized document that evaluates and reports how accessible a digital product or service is for individuals with disabilities. Think of it like the “accessibility report card” for your website—similar to how nutrition labels inform you about what’s inside your food, a VPAT reveals how well your site meets legal accessibility standards.
Originally designed to support Section 508 compliance within U.S. government agencies, the VPAT has become a widely accepted tool across industries to demonstrate a commitment to digital inclusivity and reduce legal risk.
Key Sections of a VPAT (Relevant to Section 508)
When completing a VPAT, it’s important to understand the core chapters that determine
compliance, especially for digital services:
Chapter 3: Functional Performance Criteria
This section looks at how well your digital product functions for users with varying abilities. It
focuses on user experience rather than just technical implementation. Evaluation includes:
- Use without vision
- Use with limited vision
- Use without color perception
- Use without hearing
- Use with limited hearing
- Use without speech
- Use with limited physical movement
- Use with limited reach and strength
- Use with cognitive or learning limitations
These criteria ensure your website works for people with different types of disabilities, from
blindness to mobility impairments.
Chapter 4: Hardware Accessibility
If your website interacts with or relies on hardware (e.g., kiosks or point-of-sale terminals), this
chapter ensures it remains accessible even without external assistive tools. It includes
requirements for:
- Operability without additional assistive tech
- Built-in speech output features
- Volume and sound adjustment
- Screen readability
- Use of color and auditory signals
- Support for captions and visual alternatives
Chapter 5: Software Accessibility
This applies to web apps, software interfaces, and content management systems. If your
website includes downloadable applications or custom interfaces, this section ensures:
- Compatibility with assistive technologies
- Accessible design of applications
- Authoring tools that preserve accessibility in exports
- Use of accessible templates and guidance prompts
Chapter 6: Support Documentation and Help Services
Even your support systems must be accessible. This chapter addresses:
- Accessibility of help desk services
- Usability of digital guides and tutorials
- Compliance of FAQs and self-service tools with WCAG standards
Why a VPAT Is Important for Your Website
If your website is being evaluated for ADA or Section 508 compliance—or if you’re respondingto a legal notice—having a completed VPAT can show good-faith efforts and demonstrate your intent to follow accessibility laws. It’s especially useful when partnering with institutions, bidding on contracts, or operating in regulated industries.
At [Your Company Name], we help you assess, document, and improve your site’s accessibility. Our team can guide you through VPAT completion, identify accessibility gaps, and support you in remediation — helping you avoid legal risks while creating a more inclusive digital experience.