Introduction to VPAT and ACR — Accessibility Conformance Reports

In this tutorial, you will learn about Introduction to VPAT and ACR. We cover key concepts, practical examples, and best practices to help you master this topic.

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 You'll Learn

You will learn what VPATs and ACRs are, why they matter, who needs them, and how this module is structured to guide you from fundamentals through a practical project.

Why It Matters

Government agencies and large enterprises require VPATs as part of vendor evaluation. A poorly written VPAT can disqualify you from contracts even if your product is accessible.

Real-World Use

DodaTech maintains a current VPAT 2.4 for Durga Antivirus Pro covering Section 508 and EN 301 549. This VPAT is required for every government and enterprise procurement opportunity.

flowchart TD
  A[VPAT / ACR] --> B[What It Is]
  A --> C[Who Needs It]
  A --> D[Why It Matters]
  B --> E[Standardized accessibility report]
  B --> F[Covers WCAG, 508, EN 301 549]
  C --> G[Government contractors]
  C --> H[Enterprise software vendors]
  C --> I[Public sector organizations]
  D --> J[Required for procurement]
  D --> K[Demonstrates transparency]
  D --> L[Supports conformance claims]

What Is a VPAT?

A VPAT is a template published by the ITIC (Information Technology Industry Council). An ACR is the completed report based on the VPAT template. The VPAT evaluates a product's conformance against accessibility standards.

Who Needs VPATs

Government contractors must provide VPATs for Section 508 Compliance. Enterprise software vendors need VPATs for procurement responses. Public sector organizations use VPATs to evaluate purchases.

This Module

This module has 12 lessons covering what a VPAT is, its history, the ACR template structure, product overview section, criteria table, evaluation methods, remarks and explanations, legal disclaimers, submission, maintenance, and a final project.

<!-- VPAT conformance link -->
<div aria-label="Accessibility conformance">
  <p>
    This product is documented in our
    <a href="/vpat/Product-VPAT-2026.pdf">
      VPAT 2.4 Accessibility Conformance Report
    </a>.
  </p>
  <p>
    Standards: Section 508, EN 301 549, WCAG 2.2 AA.
    Last updated: June 2026.
  </p>
</div>

Common Mistakes

1. Thinking VPAT Is Optional

VPAT is technically voluntary. But Section 508 procurement and most enterprise RFPs require it. It is effectively mandatory.

2. Using an Outdated VPAT Version

VPAT 2.4 is current. Using 2.3 or older may result in rejection.

3. Not Updating the VPAT Annually

An outdated VPAT loses credibility. Update at least annually.

4. Filling Out VPAT Without Testing

VPAT entries must be based on actual testing. Untested entries are inaccurate and undermine credibility.

5. Rating Everything as Supports

A VPAT with Supports on every criterion is not credible. Buyers expect honest partial support entries.

6. Ignoring EN 301 549 for EU Sales

If you sell in Europe, your VPAT must cover EN 301 549.

7. Not Including the VPAT in Procurement Packages

The VPAT must be readily available to buyers. Include it in your procurement response.

Practice Questions

1. What does VPAT stand for?

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template.

2. What is the difference between VPAT and ACR?

VPAT is the template. ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) is the completed report based on the template.

3. Who publishes the VPAT template?

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC).

4. Why do government contractors need VPATs?

Section 508 procurement requires VPAT documentation for all electronic and information technology products.

5. Challenge: Review a VPAT from a product you use. Identify its strengths and weaknesses.

FAQ

Mini Project

Download the VPAT 2.4 template from the ITIC website. Review its structure and identify the main sections.

What's Next

Learn What Is a VPAT in detail. Then explore the VPAT History and its connection to Section 508.