Explaining VPATs: The Gold Standard for Accessibility Reporting

One of the most important documents in. your accessibility toolkit is the VPAT, or the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. However, this document may also be one of the most confusing. Essentially, the VPAT is simply a document that allows you to show how your digital product or service conforms to accessibility standards. Once the VPAT is properly completed, it becomes an ACR, or an accessibility conformance report.

Professional workers reading reports on two laptops.

Originally created by the Information Technology Industry Council, VPATs are key documentation for any organization who wants to demonstrate accessibility and compliance. But it’s important to note that the VPAT isn’t just an open-ended document that you can put whatever you want into. Instead, it’s a templated document that involved manual code review, assistive technology and cross-platform testing, and regular updates. Plus, it must be backed up by a thorough accessibility audit.

Why are VPATs important?

There are many reasons that make VPATs helpful and, in some cases, required. Some of these include:

• Vendor eligibility: Many government agencies, state and local municipalities, educational institutions, and more now require accessibility documentation, like a VPAT, when selecting vendors and software.

• Risk management: While a VPAT doesn’t ensure full immunity from a lawsuit, having a credible one on file does support your organization’s good faith efforts to ensure accessibility.

• Competitive advantage: Beyond compliance with mandates, accessibility improves user experience for everyone. Accessible features often lead to improved SEO, usability, engagement, reputation, and broader market reach. VPATs are one of the first steps in the accessibility process.

A VPAT may seem like a bureaucratic process that involves meaningless paperwork and documentation. But in truth, it’s an important and strategic asset that signals your commitment to accessibility and inclusion. And accessibility matters.

For the 61+ million Americans with disabilities and more worldwide, accessibility means full access to digital landscapes, equal opportunity, and independence. As digital accessibility laws continue to shift global standards, you don’t want to just meet compliance; you want to thrive and excel. When done right, a VPAT helps you do both.

Want help creating or updating your VPAT or ACR? Contact Splash Box Marketing at info@splashbox.com to get started.