What is? VPAT
There is a growing awareness worldwide about the importance of accessible digital products. This demand arises not only during the development and planning stages but also when contracts are signed and, of course, when the customer receives the product. Typically, manufacturers are asked whether their product is accessible with a simple “yes” or “no.” However, assessing accessibility is far more complex than a binary answer.
The ITI – the organization that developed the VPAT – states that accessibility should be evaluated by measuring the degree of compliance with each standard, taking into account the severity of any issues. But how can a customer or manufacturer perform such an assessment? This is where the VPAT comes in – a structured and widely recognized format for evaluating product accessibility developed by ITI. It’s important to note that the VPAT itself is not the report; it is a format used to create the report. The report is referred to in English as an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
What is?
VPAT
Who Needs a VPAT?
For Which Technologies is a VPAT Needed?
Any digital product requiring an accessibility assessment can have an ACR prepared based on the VPAT, from documents and websites to software and mobile applications.
What standards does the VPAT support?
There are four VPAT documents covering the leading accessibility standards worldwide:
Europe
ETSI EN 301 549
Developed by the European Standards Institute and based on WCAG 2.1
United States:
Section 508
Section 508
Combined VPAT
What Does a VPAT Look Like?
In practice, we create an ACR – a report generated from the VPAT.
The ACR is essentially a detailed table that includes:
The table will consist of 3 columns
ETSI EN 301 549
Degree of Compliance
Only VPAT terms may be used:
- Supported
- Partially Supported
- Not Supported
- Not Applicable
- Not Tested
Remarks and Explanations
Space to provide additional context or evidence
The ACR also includes company information and other relevant details.
VPAT Project
Step-by-Step Process
Initial Review & Scope Definition
Define the scope of the VPAT – whether it covers a website, software application, mobile app, or digital product – and identify the applicable standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1, Section 508, EN 301 549).
Accessibility Audit
Gap Analysis & Recommendations
Define the scope of the VPAT – whether it covers a website, software application, mobile app, or digital product – and identify the applicable standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1, Section 508, EN 301 549).
Remediation Support
Define the scope of the VPAT – whether it covers a website, software application, mobile app, or digital product – and identify the applicable standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1, Section 508, EN 301 549).
VPAT Authoring
Define the scope of the VPAT – whether it covers a website, software application, mobile app, or digital product – and identify the applicable standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1, Section 508, EN 301 549).
Final Delivery & Publication
Define the scope of the VPAT – whether it covers a website, software application, mobile app, or digital product – and identify the applicable standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1, Section 508, EN 301 549).
