What is a VPAT?
VPAT® or the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is a standardized reporting format that explains how an ICT product (software, website, hardware, or electronic content) supports accessibility requirements.
When completed, a VPAT becomes an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). This document helps buyers, regulators, and organizations evaluate whether a product conforms with accessibility standards such as:
- Section 508 (U.S.) – legal requirement for federal agencies
- WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 – global web content accessibility guidelines
- EN 301 549 – the European Union accessibility standard
Know more about What is a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)?
Why Was the VPAT Created?
The VPAT was developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) with support from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
Its original purpose was to help vendors clearly document conformance with Section 508 so that U.S. government agencies could make informed procurement decisions.
Today, the VPAT has become a global tool used across industries and regions. It is critical for:
- Procurement → Required for U.S. federal contracts and EU public-sector bids.
- Legal compliance → Helps organizations demonstrate due diligence under accessibility laws.
Structure of a VPAT
A VPAT follows a consistent structure across editions:
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Product Overview
- Product Name and Version (if applicable)
- Description, intended use, and target users
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Detailed Evaluation
- Specify sample size features/workflows evaluated
- List assistive technologies and testing tools (JAWS, NVDA, A11yInspect, etc.)
- Mention environment details like OS and Browsers used for evaluation
- Third-party plugins/widgets that impact accessibility
- Accessibility barriers outside direct control
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Conformance Levels
- Rates accessibility based on standards like WCAG 2.1 A/AA/AAA, Section 508, or EN 301 549
- Each requirement is rated as:
- Supports
- Partially Supports
- Does Not Support
- Not Applicable
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Remarks & Notes
- Evidence or explanation for each Success Criteria
- Strengths and improvement areas
- Known limitations, workarounds, or planned fixes
- Transparency and accountability
This structure ensures that buyers can compare accessibility across different products objectively.
The VPAT template can be downloaded from the ITIC website.
What are The Types of VPAT and How Do They Differ?
| VPAT Version | Region/Use Case | Standards Covered | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPAT 2.5Rev 508 | United States for Federal Agency (or entities receiving federal funds) | Revised Section 508 (2017). Section 508 incorporates WCAG 2.0 Level A & AA | Used to create an ACR for U.S. federal procurements; agencies typically require an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) based on Section 508 (often using the VPAT template). |
| VPAT 2.5Rev WCAG | Global standards for Web & Software where WCAG is the relevant benchmark | WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 (A/AA/AAA success criteria are included in the template) | Choose this for Digital only products when contracts or policies call for WCAG directly (e.g., many commercial/SaaS contexts). In VPAT 2.5Rev, WCAG 2.2 is covered in this edition. |
| VPAT 2.5Rev EU | European Union public-sector procurement and related use | EN 301 549 (EU ICT accessibility requirements; incorporates WCAG 2.1) | Use when responding to EU public-sector tenders under EU accessibility rules; EN 301 549 harmonizes WCAG 2.1 requirements with additional ICT criteria. |
| VPAT 2.5Rev INT | Multinational / comprehensive coverage for products sold worldwide | All three: Revised Section 508, EN 301 549, and WCAG (includes WCAG 2.2 in this edition) | Best for products sold across regions when multiple standards may be referenced in contracts, providing one consolidated ACR. |
Read more: Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) 2.5 – What’s New?
How to Create a VPAT (Accessibility Conformance Report)?
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Conduct an Accessibility Audit
- Test against the required standards like WCAG, Section 508, or EN 301 549.
- Use automated tools like A11yInspect and manual testing, including feedback from users with disabilities.
For a reliable and unbiased audit, as well as accurate VPAT authoring, it is always best to work with an experienced third-party accessibility vendor. Partnering with experts like BarrierBreak ensures compliance, credibility, and trust. Reach out to us to get started.
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Document Findings Clearly
Mark each criterion as Supports, Partially Supports, Does Not Support, or Not Applicable. Be transparent and detail the areas needing improvement.
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Complete the Correct VPAT Edition
Use the correct VPAT template (WCAG, Section 508, EN 301 549, or International (INT)). Clearly document:
- Product Name/Version
- Product Description
- Contact Details for accessibility support
- Additional Notes (if any)
- Evaluation Methodology
- Applicable Standards
- Rating for each Success Criteria with Remarks/Explanation
- Legal Disclaimer (recommended but not mandatory)
- Review and Update Regularly
It is recommended to update your VPAT annually, or whenever significant changes occur—such as new features or updates to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.2).
Why Are VPATs Important?
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Meeting Legal Compliance
If your company sells to government agencies or is subject to accessibility regulations, having a completed and up-to-date VPAT is often mandatory.
- In the U.S., Section 508 requires federal agencies to use accessible technologies
- The European Accessibility Act and EN 301 549 mandate accessibility for digital services in the EU
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Risk Reduction
- Demonstrates due diligence under laws like Section 508, ADA, and EN 301 549
- Reduces exposure to lawsuits or procurement disqualification
- Builds transparency by openly stating accessibility gaps and improvements
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Better User Experience
Filling out a VPAT prompts organizations to examine how usable and inclusive their digital assets really are. Addressing gaps improves overall usability, benefiting not only users with disabilities but all users.
- Clearer navigation
- Better mobile usability
- Compatibility with assistive technologies
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Market Access
- Required for U.S. federal and EU public-sector procurement
- Increasingly expected in enterprise vendor assessments
- International VPAT opens access to global markets with one report
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Corporate Responsibility
- Signals commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA)
- Strengthens brand reputation and customer trust
- Expands usability and accessibility for millions of people with disabilities
What Challenges Do Organizations Face in Implementing VPAT?
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Complexity of Standards
WCAG, Section 508, and EN 301 549 require technical interpretation. Applying them accurately requires expertise. Partnering with accessibility professionals can simplify this process .
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Resource Allocation
Small businesses may find it challenging to allocate the time and resources needed for accessibility audits and VPAT creation. Outsourcing to specialists can be a cost-effective solution with long-term ROI.
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Evolving Requirements
As accessibility laws evolve (such as EU digital accessibility regulations or updated WCAG guidelines), organizations must stay informed and revise their VPATs accordingly.
How Can Organizations Get Help with VPAT Compliance?
A VPAT (or ACR) is more than a compliance checklist—it is a transparent declaration of accessibility that strengthens trust and broadens reach.
Organizations often work with accessibility experts to ensure their VPATs are technically accurate and reflect real product performance.
BarrierBreak provides accessibility audits and creates VPATs for all editions—Section 508, WCAG, EU, and International. Our team includes accessibility experts and people with disabilities, ensuring every report is accurate, practical, and inclusive. Get in touch at sales@barrierbreak.com.