A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a standardized template from the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) used to report the level of conformance to accessibility standards. It is typically used for digital products, such as software or a website. A completed VPAT is known as an Accessibility Conformance Report (ARC). These standards include Section 508 (U.S.), EN 301 549 (EU), and W3C/WAI WCAG. The VPAT provides detailed information on the product’s accessibility and areas where it may fall short, allowing organizations and buyers to make informed decisions about procurement and conformance. By completing a VPAT, vendors demonstrate their commitment to accessibility and transparency, supporting efforts to ensure digital inclusivity for all users.
There are five main types of VPAT:
- VPAT 2.4 Section 508: Focuses on conformance with Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, which requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.
- VPAT 2.4 WCAG: Addresses the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) from the W3C, providing a framework for web and digital content accessibility that is recognized internationally.
- VPAT 2.4 EN 301 549: Covers the European Union’s accessibility standard for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products and services, aligning with the European Accessibility Act.
- VPAT 2.4 International: Combines requirements from Section 508, WCAG, and EN 301 549 to support global accessibility compliance for products marketed in multiple regions.
- VPAT 2.4 Revised 508: Reflects the updated Section 508 standards, harmonized with WCAG 2.0, to ensure accessibility for federal procurements in the United States.