VPAT / ACR — Accessibility Conformance Reports Complete Guide

Introduction to VPAT and ACR — Accessibility Conformance Reports

VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) and ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) are standardized documents that evaluate a product's conformance against accessibility standards like Section 508, EN 301 549, and WCAG.

What Is a VPAT — Voluntary Product Accessibility Template Explained

A VPAT is a standardized document published by ITIC that evaluates a product's conformance against accessibility standards including Section 508, EN 301 549, and WCAG, using four conformance ratings: Supports, Partially Supports, Does Not Support, and Not Applicable.

VPAT History — From Section 508 to Modern Conformance Reporting

The VPAT originated with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act in 1998, evolving from US federal procurement documentation to an international standard covering WCAG, EN 301 549, and multiple regional accessibility standards.

ACR Template Structure — The VPAT 2.4 Format

The VPAT 2.4 ACR template contains four main tables: WCAG criteria (all levels A through AAA), Section 508 paragraphs, EN 301 549 criteria for European procurement, and an optional hardware section, plus a product overview.

Product Overview Section — Setting the Context for Your VPAT

The VPAT product overview section identifies the product name, version number, evaluation date, vendor contact information, standards included, and evaluation methodology used for the conformance assessment.

Criteria Table — Assigning Conformance Ratings in VPAT

The VPAT criteria table lists every WCAG success criterion with a conformance rating (Supports, Partially Supports, Does Not Support, Not Applicable) and remarks explaining the rating, forming the core of the conformance report.

Evaluation Methods — Testing and Documenting VPAT Conformance

VPAT evaluation methods include automated testing tools, manual keyboard testing, screen reader testing with NVDA or JAWS, manual code review, and user testing with people with disabilities to assign accurate conformance ratings.

Remarks and Explanations — Writing Clear Conformance Notes

VPAT remarks and explanations provide the justification for each conformance rating, describing what was tested, how it passes or fails, and any exceptions or limitations that affect the rating.

Legal Disclaimers — Protecting Your VPAT and Organization

VPAT legal disclaimers limit liability by stating the report is based on current testing, does not guarantee accessibility for every user, is not a legally binding document, and should be reviewed by legal counsel before distribution.

VPAT Submission — Delivering Accessibility Conformance Reports to Buyers

VPAT submission involves preparing the completed ACR document, verifying its accuracy, getting legal review, packaging it with procurement responses, and delivering it in a format buyers can use.

VPAT Maintenance — Keeping Accessibility Conformance Reports Current

VPAT maintenance involves regular review cycles, updating criteria ratings after product changes, re-testing after accessibility fixes, version control, and communicating updates to buyers and stakeholders.

VPAT Project — Create a Full Accessibility Conformance Report

The VPAT project applies everything from the module by creating a complete VPAT 2.4 for a product, including product overview, criteria table with ratings and remarks, disclaimers, and submission checklist.