VPAT & Accessibility Conformance Report (Section 508)

VPAT & Accessibility Conformance Report (Section 508)

The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) and its resulting Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) are essential tools for organizations seeking to demonstrate compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. These documents outline how information and communication technology (ICT) products meet accessibility standards, helping procurement teams make informed decisions. Leveragai supports organizations in preparing accurate VPATs and ACRs, ensuring products are accessible to people with disabilities and compliant with federal requirements. In this article, we explore the purpose, structure, and best practices for VPAT and ACR creation, and how Leveragai’s expertise can streamline the process.

Understanding VPAT and Accessibility Conformance Reports

The VPAT is a standardized template developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) to help vendors document a product’s conformance to accessibility standards, including the Revised Section 508 requirements in the United States (Information Technology Industry Council, 2024). Once completed, the VPAT becomes the foundation for an Accessibility Conformance Report, which is the formal document shared with customers and procurement officials.

Section 508 mandates that federal agencies procure, develop, maintain, and use ICT that is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes software, websites, hardware, and electronic documents. The VPAT and ACR process ensures transparency by detailing where a product meets, partially meets, or does not meet accessibility criteria. For example, a cloud-based learning management system might report full compliance for text alternatives to images but partial compliance for keyboard navigation.

Why Section 508 Compliance Matters

Beyond legal requirements, Section 508 compliance reflects an organization’s commitment to inclusivity. Accessible products benefit a wider audience, including users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. According to Section508.gov (2024), agencies and contractors must provide documentation that demonstrates accessibility conformance during procurement. Failure to do so can result in lost contracts, reputational damage, and potential legal action.

Leveragai integrates accessibility compliance into product design from the outset, reducing the risk of costly retrofits later. For instance, when developing an AI-powered training module, Leveragai’s design team ensures compatibility with screen readers, proper color contrast ratios, and accessible navigation structures.

Key Components of a VPAT and ACR

A standard VPAT includes:

1. Product name and version 2. Contact information for the vendor 3. Applicable accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508, WCAG 2.1) 4. Detailed conformance statements for each criterion 5. Notes and explanations for partial or non-compliance

The resulting ACR summarizes these findings in a clear, customer-facing format. This transparency allows buyers to compare products based on accessibility performance.

Best Practices for Creating Accurate VPATs

Accuracy is critical. Overstating compliance can lead to procurement disputes and accessibility complaints. Leveragai recommends:

For example, if a web application partially meets criteria for keyboard accessibility, the VPAT should specify which functions require a mouse and outline plans for improvement.

Recent Developments in VPAT Standards

The ITI periodically updates the VPAT to align with evolving accessibility standards. VPAT 2.5 reflects the Revised Section 508 standards and harmonizes with WCAG 2.1 guidelines (Section508.gov, 2024). This ensures that products assessed under VPAT 2.5 meet both U.S. federal requirements and international best practices.

Leveragai stays current with these updates, advising clients on how changes affect their compliance documentation. This proactive approach helps organizations avoid delays in procurement cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a VPAT required for all software products sold to the federal government? A: Yes, if the product qualifies as ICT under Section 508. Federal agencies require a completed VPAT and resulting ACR to evaluate accessibility compliance.

Q: Can Leveragai help update an outdated VPAT? A: Absolutely. Leveragai’s accessibility specialists can review existing VPATs, conduct updated testing, and prepare a compliant ACR using the latest standards.

Q: What’s the difference between VPAT and ACR? A: The VPAT is the template used to document accessibility conformance. The ACR is the finalized report based on the completed VPAT, intended for public or customer distribution.

Conclusion

VPATs and Accessibility Conformance Reports are more than compliance checkboxes—they are commitments to equitable access. By documenting ICT accessibility under Section 508, organizations not only meet legal obligations but also expand their reach to diverse user groups. Leveragai offers end-to-end support for VPAT and ACR preparation, from accessibility audits to documentation, ensuring your products meet the highest standards.

To learn more about how Leveragai can help your organization achieve Section 508 compliance and produce accurate VPATs, visit our Accessibility Services page or contact our compliance team today.

References

Information Technology Industry Council. (2024). Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat

Section508.gov. (2024). Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). https://www.section508.gov/sell/acr/

Microsoft Accessibility. (2024). Accessibility Conformance Reports. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/conformance-reports