Understanding VPATs

A VPAT is a standardized template used to document a product’s conformance with global accessibility standards and guidelines. It was developed to provide a consistent framework for reporting, allowing for easier comparison between different Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products.

It is important to understand the relationship between a VPAT and an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR):

• The VPAT is the template: It is the empty form pre-filled with instructions and criteria.
• The ACR is the completed report: Once the template has been filled out with the results of a specific product evaluation, it becomes an ACR.

An ACR is a technical document, not a marketing piece or a certification. It provides a detailed, criteria-by-criteria view of how a product supports users with various disabilities.

Generating an accurate ACR requires a rigorous, multi-stage process handled by experts familiar with the technicalities of accessibility. At AIOPSGROUP, we follow these core steps:

1. Define the scope and standards: We determine which standards apply to your product – whether it’s Section 508 (US), EN 301 549 (EU), or WCAG. We also identify all product components to be tested, including software, hardware, electronic documentation, and support services.
2. Conduct comprehensive testing: Testing must be completed before filling out the report. We utilize a combination of automated tools and thorough manual testing. Manual testing is vital, as it includes keyboard-only navigation and testing with assistive technologies.
3. Assimilate results: We gather all test data to create a clear picture of conformance. This includes identifying any issues, documenting workarounds for users, and noting features that are not applicable to the specific product.
4. Generate the ACR: We fill out the appropriate version of the VPAT template (such as the INT edition for international products) with precise technical details. We ensure the report includes required information such as the product version, date, and evaluation methods used.
5. Final quality check: We remove the template’s internal instructions to ensure the report is concise and then perform a final check to ensure the ACR itself is accessible.

Ensuring your product is accessible is an ongoing commitment to your users and your compliance obligations.