By:
Grace Williamson 
The VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a document that evaluates how accessible a product or service is for people with disabilities. It provides a standardized format for vendors to report the level of accessibility of their products and services set on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1, ADA, 508 compliance and other accessibility standards.
This guide serves the purpose of providing readers with an understanding of what VPATs are and how they can be used to promote accessibility. Readers can expect to learn about the importance of accessibility, as well as the benefits of using VPATs for both companies and individuals with disabilities.
This blog will explore an ultimate guide to VPAT 2023 that can help you create a more accessible digital environment for all. Here you will learn a few practical tips and resources for creating and using VPATs effectively.
VPATs were first introduced in 2001 by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) as a way to increase awareness and promote accessibility in technology. Since then, they have become an essential tool for ensuring that products and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
VPATs are especially important in the recent digital era, where technology is integrated into every aspect of our lives. They help companies to identify and address any accessibility barriers that may exist in their products or services, ensuring that people with disabilities can use them with ease.
The VPAT covers areas such as keyboard accessibility, colour contrast, and screen reader compatibility. By providing this information, organizations can make informed decisions about which products best meet their accessibility needs.
By promoting accessibility through the use of VPATs, our web accessibility audit services can help you in creating a more inclusive society where everyone has equal access to information and technology.
Let us dive deep into how VPAT works, its different types and uses, and the various benefits of using it in technology development.
VPAT helps organizations provide quality services to those with disabilities, ensuring that they are not excluded from the digital world. It also assists organizations to identify and address potential accessibility issues before they become a problem. It can provide evidence of compliance to customers and other stakeholders. VPAT can build trust and improve the reputation of the organization, it involves a step-by-step process to assess and document the accessibility of products and services. This process includes identifying the accessibility requirements, assessing the current state of accessibility, documenting the results, and creating a plan to address any areas of non-compliance. The VPAT report can then be used to demonstrate the organization's commitment to accessibility.
Organizations must review and update their VPAT report annually to ensure compliance with accessibility requirements. Organizations that are unable to meet accessibility requirements must provide remediation plans to address the issues. The VPAT report can then be used as evidence of the organization's commitment to making its products and services accessible.
As of 2023, there are four types of Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs):
The VPAT 2.4 update was out in 2020 and includes a number of updates, including new sections on accessibility testing and conformance. All VPATs should be updated to the 2.4 revision.
Also Read: What Is Section 508 Remediation, and Why Is It Important for Businesses?
It should be fairly clear that VPAT is essential for organizations to present an inclusive environment for all. VPATs have numerous applications, as covered below:
Now it’s time to finally explore some of the major advantages of using VPATs; some of them are:
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a document that provides a comprehensive assessment of a technology product's compliance with accessibility standards. It helps organizations understand the level of accessibility of a product and aids in making informed decisions about procurement. In this step-by-step guide, we will outline the process of creating a VPAT for a technology product.
The first step in creating a VPAT is to familiarize yourself with the accessibility standards that apply to the technology product. These standards may include the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or the Section 508 standards. Understanding these standards will enable you to evaluate the product's accessibility features properly.
Identify the scope of the technology product that will be covered in the VPAT. It includes determining the specific functionalities, platforms, and interfaces that need to be assessed. Clearly define what aspects of the product will be evaluated for accessibility.
Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the technology product's accessibility features. It involves examining various aspects, such as the product's user interface, navigation, content, multimedia, forms, and compatibility with assistive technologies. Use relevant testing tools, assistive technologies, and expert knowledge to assess the product's accessibility.
Once the assessment is complete, document the findings in the VPAT. The VPAT typically follows a standardized format, including sections for product identification, conformance level, and supporting details. Clearly state whether the product meets the accessibility standards, partially meets them, or does not meet them at all. Provide detailed explanations and evidence to support your findings.
If the technology product does not fully meet the accessibility standards, it is important to include remediation steps in the VPAT. These steps should outline the necessary actions to improve accessibility and make the product compliant. Include specific recommendations, timelines, and responsibilities for implementing the remediation steps.
Before finalizing the VPAT:
Accessibility standards and technologies evolve over time, so it is important to regularly update the VPAT as new versions of the technology product are released, or changes are made to accessibility standards. Keep the VPAT up to date to provide the most accurate information to stakeholders.
Bonus Read: What is VPAT & Why do Businesses Need It?
VPAT, or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, is a document that outlines the accessibility features of a product or service. It is used to help organizations assess the level of accessibility of the products they purchase and to ensure that those products meet their accessibility needs.
Currently, VPAT requirements are set by the U.S. government under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. These requirements are designed to ensure that products and services are accessible to people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, and motor impairments.
In 2023, it is expected that these requirements will be updated to include new technologies and emerging accessibility issues. It could have a significant impact on technology development and accessibility, as companies will need to ensure that their products meet these new standards.
One potential impact of these changes is that companies may need to invest more resources into accessibility testing and development. It could lead to higher costs for companies and slower development cycles for new products.
On the other hand, these changes could also provide new opportunities for innovation and collaboration in the field of accessibility. By working together to develop new accessibility features and technologies, companies and organizations can help ensure that everyone gets equal access to the digital world.
Our guide to VPAT 2023 has aimed to serve you with the best of our accessibility solutions. We are a professional VPAT service provider and can assist you with the best possible solutions to cater for your various needs. Our accessibility audit services are potent to find any errors or issues to make sure your digital resources comply with the proper guidelines and norms.
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