A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a standardized form vendors use to document how their tech product meets accessibility standards.
The resulting filled-out document is the ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report), a detailed report showing support for criteria like WCAG or Section 508.
You use the VPAT (template) to create the ACR (final report).
The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically, the VPAT is the tool, and the ACR is the outcome/report itself.
When a buyer asks for a VPAT, they usually want the completed ACR to evaluate the product's accessibility compliance.
What it is: A blank, standardized template created by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI).
Purpose: To guide vendors in assessing and describing their product's accessibility against specific standards (like Section 508, WCAG, EN 301 549).
Analogy: Think of it as a blank report card for accessibility features.
What it is: The completed VPAT document, filled with specific findings about a product's accessibility.
Purpose: To provide transparency to buyers (government, businesses) about a product's accessibility status, highlighting what's supported, partially supported, or not supported.
Key Info: Includes details on criteria, workarounds, and blockers, allowing for informed procurement decisions.
Whether you need government contracts or just a better product, a VPAT ensures accessibility for everyone - not just a checkbox.
First step is a conversation!
