Understanding VPAT Testing: Ensuring Accessibility Compliance for Digital Products
“Do you have a VPAT?” is something customers today are asking for when they’re buying digital products. They want to know what your vision for accessibility is and how you are looking to implement accessibility. Let Accessibility be your differentiator! A VPAT or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is a document that outlines the accessibility conformance of a product or a service. This is why you should get a VPAT authored!
What is VPAT Testing?
VPAT testing involves a comprehensive evaluation of your digital product’s compliance with accessibility standards such as:
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WCAG 2.2 & 2.1: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which set the global standard for digital accessibility.
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Section 508: U.S. federal standards ensuring accessibility for government procurements.
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EN 301 549: European standards for accessible ICT products.
The process involves:
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Accessibility Audits: Identifying barriers that prevent users with disabilities from accessing your product.
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Detailed Reporting: Highlighting areas of non-conformance and providing actionable recommendations.
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Comprehensive Documentation: Creating a VPAT that accurately reflects your product’s accessibility status.
By conducting VPAT testing, organizations can identify accessibility gaps, address non-compliance, and produce an ACR that reflects their product’s level of conformance.
Why Is a VPAT Important?
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is essential for businesses aiming to expand their reach and maintain compliance with legal requirements. Here’s why having a VPAT is indispensable:
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Legal Compliance: Companies in the United States need to comply with Revised Section 508, while those in the European Union must adhere to EN 301 549.
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Improved Marketability: Many buyers, particularly government agencies, require a VPAT before making a purchase decision.
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Risk Mitigation: Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, financial penalties, and reputational damage.
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Showcasing Inclusivity: A VPAT demonstrates your commitment to accessibility, enhancing your brand's image and credibility.
Accessibility Experts like BarrierBreak support customers to create their ACR or Accessibility Conformance Reports using the VPAT Template. It helps to have a VPAT consultant on-board to help you navigate the world of accessibility standards, laws and guidelines to be adhered to globally.
Who’s a VPAT Consultant?
A VPAT Consultant is an accessibility expert who creates a comprehensive VPAT or conducts a VPAT audit that reflects the accessibility of your product, ensuring that it meets the latest WCAG 2.2, Section 508 and EN 301 549 requirements. They are specialists who possess the required technical knowledge to assist you in filing the VPAT accurately.
As a trusted VPAT consultant, we provide end-to-end support—from conducting detailed VPAT testing and accessibility audits to identifying barriers in your digital products. Based on the testing results, we create ACRs using the VPAT template to give you a transparent view of your product’s accessibility.
Now let’s backtrack to understand what a VPAT is.
What is a VPAT? Why Do You Need a VPAT?
A Voluntary Product Template or a VPAT is an essential document that outlines how your Information and Technology Product (ICT) adheres to accessibility guidelines. ICT products include your website, mobile app or any other digital product. It should comply to Revised Section 508 standards for companies based in the United States, EN 301 549 for companies out of European Union and potentially conform to global accessibility guidelines or in other words, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2 and 2.1). For vendors, providing a VPAT is often necessary for legal compliance, especially when dealing with federal government contracts.
The VPAT template can be downloaded from the ITI website.
Why should you work with a VPAT Consultant?
Well, I think you already know the answer. Just to reiterate and dispel any doubts, here are top 5 reasons why you would benefit from working with a VPAT Consultant:
- Identify Accessibility Gaps – VPAT testing and audit by an expert VPAT consultant recognizes any accessibility gaps and challenges within your digital product. They guide your team towards the common goal of developing an accessible product. By leveraging the VPAT audit report, you can pinpoint the areas that need accessibility improvements and continue to enhance product quality, ensuring inclusion and compliance.
- Work with Government & Federal Agencies - Since government & federal agencies are often required to procure accessible products, the VPAT/ACR provides the accessibility compliance of a product. For example, under Section 508, federal agencies are required to procure accessible ICT. Similarly, under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II – Subtitle A – State & Local Government Services need to ensure that websites and mobile apps are accessible to people with disabilities. That is why having a VPAT/ACR for your products can significantly increase its chances of being considered for federal & government procurements. Without a VPAT, you might be missing out on potential revenue.
- Simplifying the procurement process – An accurate and detailed ACR based on a VPAT helps buyers make an informed decision before procuring an ICT product. It helps them understand the product’s level of conformance with the accessibility guidelines. And a VPAT consultant helps you with just that. Whether your product conforms to WCAG 2.2 & 2.1 and is compliant to Section 508 or EN 301 549, they help you make an ACR that gives an overarching view of the accessibility conformances. This in turn makes it easy for the procurement team to compare your products against other competitors. It helps them make an informed decision.
- Risk Mitigation - Non-compliance to accessibility standards and guidelines generally ends with loss of revenue as well as costly lawsuits and fines. A VPAT consultant proactively identifies and addresses potential accessibility issues and ensures compliance to Section 508, ADA and even EN 301 549. They also help in providing VPAT audit support by conducting Section 508 testing and assistance in creating a VPAT for your product from a third-party view. This in turn protects your business from legal challenges and demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity.
- Demonstrating Accessibility Commitment – A VPAT consultant helps to document and explain your digital product’s level of accessibility conformance. A drafted VPAT becomes a detailed ACR, showcasing your commitment to accessibility standards. This not only demonstrates to buyers that you acknowledge the accessibility challenges, but also highlights your dedication to making the product accessible for all users.
The Bottom Line
Conducting VPAT testing is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a strategic investment in your brand’s credibility and inclusivity. By partnering with BarrierBreak, you gain access to seasoned experts who simplify the complexities of accessibility compliance and help you create products that are accessible to everyone.Working with a VPAT consultant isn't just about ticking the box. It is about the strategic investment that brings numerous benefits to your business. And working with BarrierBreak is an added advantage since we have 20+ years of experience in accessibility and have created numerous VPAT and ACR for our customers.
Conducting a VPAT audit not only safeguards your business from legal risks but also enhances your product's credibility in the market. Our team of accessibility experts ensure that your VPATs are filed accurately and assessed by our team of accessibility experts including native screen reader users.
For VPAT testing or to get started on how to create a VPAT for your product, reach out to us at sales@barrierbreak.com.