Navigating digital accessibility can be complex, but understanding VPAT and creating an accessibility conformance report doesn’t have to be.
A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is essentially a report card for your website or software’s accessibility features, a standardized document that clearly shows whether your digital products can be used by people with disabilities and demonstrates WCAG compliance.
For businesses looking to work with government agencies, educational institutions, or enterprises, an accessibility conformance report based on VPAT is often required to prove that their product meets accessibility standards and achieves WCAG compliance. Beyond compliance, this document helps shield your business from potential lawsuits while unlocking access to valuable new markets.
The Origins and Importance of VPAT
The VPAT framework was developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) in collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration to create a standardized approach to documenting accessibility features.
VPATs serve critical functions in business:
- Competitive Differentiation
A thorough VPAT can set your product apart from competitors who haven’t prioritized accessibility documentation. - Risk Management
With digital accessibility lawsuits rising significantly in recent years, a VPAT demonstrates proactive compliance efforts. - Development Roadmap
Creating a VPAT often identifies accessibility gaps, helping prioritize improvements in your product development. - User Trust
Publishing your VPAT shows transparency and builds credibility with the disability community.
Learn More: All you need to know about web accessibility
Creating a Standard Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) for WCAG Compliance
Select the Appropriate VPAT Template
The ITI provides multiple VPAT templates depending on which standards you need to address:
- VPAT 2.5 INT: For international standards (includes WCAG1, EN 301 549)
- VPAT 2.5 EU: For European Union standards (EN 301 549)
- VPAT 2.5 508: For U.S. federal procurement (Section 508)
- VPAT 2.5 WCAG: For WCAG 2.1 standards only
Document Product Information and Conformance Levels
Include product name, version, report date, and contact information. For each accessibility criterion, indicate one of these conformance levels:
- Supports: the functionality fully meets the criterion
- Partially Supports: the product partially meets the criterion (with explanations)
- Does Not Support: the product does not meet the criterion
- Not Applicable: the criterion doesn’t apply to the product
- Not Evaluated: the criterion wasn’t evaluated
Provide Detailed Testing Information
Document your testing methodology for the accessibility conformance report, including automated tools, manual procedures, assistive technologies used, and any user testing with people with disabilities. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating thorough WCAG compliance.
Creating a thorough accessibility conformance report requires technical expertise and a deep understanding of accessibility standards, which is why many organizations work with accessibility experts to properly document WCAG compliance.
VPAT and Its Relationship with Accessibility Standards
VPAT and WCAG 2.1
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 form the foundation of most digital accessibility requirements worldwide. VPAT templates include specific sections for WCAG 2.1 criteria at levels A, AA, and AAA. Most organizations aim for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, which addresses significant barriers while remaining feasible to implement. Your accessibility conformance report should clearly document how your product achieves WCAG compliance across all applicable success criteria.
VPAT and Section 508
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible. The revised Section 508 standards are harmonized with WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
A properly completed VPAT demonstrates compliance with Section 508 requirements, essential for selling to U.S. federal agencies.
VPAT and EAA Standards
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) establishes accessibility requirements for products and services in the EU market. The EAA is addressed in the VPAT 2.4 EU and INT templates, helping organizations prepare for compliance with European regulations.
Learn More: Complete Guide to Digital Accessibility Laws
How Businesses Use Accessibility Conformance Reports to Demonstrate WCAG Compliance
Forward-thinking businesses leverage VPATs and accessibility conformance reports as part of their accessibility strategy in several ways:
Risk Mitigation
With digital accessibility lawsuits on the rise, having a completed VPAT demonstrates your commitment to accessibility and can serve as evidence of good faith efforts toward compliance.
Competitive Advantage
Many procurement processes require vendors to submit VPATs. Having a thorough, accurate VPAT readily available can give you an edge over competitors who haven’t prioritized accessibility documentation.
Continuous Improvement and Trust Building
A well-constructed VPAT helps identify areas for improvement and demonstrates transparency about your product’s accessibility features and limitations, building trust with customers.
When to Engage Professional Help for VPAT Creation
Consider professional assistance when:
- Your digital product has numerous features or complex interactions
- You lack internal accessibility expertise
- You’re bidding on high-stakes contracts where accessibility is a key requirement
- Your organization has faced accessibility complaints or operates in industries with stringent compliance requirements
Learn More: Accessibility Testing Best Practices
How Pluro Can Help You Prepare for a VPAT
Pluro is an AI-powered accessibility platform built to simplify the path to WCAG compliance, making it easier for businesses to generate accurate, audit-ready Accessibility Conformance Reports.
While Pluro does not create VPATs directly, our platform empowers your team with everything needed to support the VPAT process:
- Automated and Manual Scanning- identify accessibility gaps based on WCAG success criteria
- AI-Powered Fixer- resolve common issues quickly without modifying your source code
- Accessibility Reporting-generate structured insights to support VPAT documentation
- Ongoing Monitoring- ensure continuous compliance across your digital assets
Whether you’re preparing a VPAT internally or working with a consultant, Pluro provides the tools to get you there faster, with greater accuracy and confidence
From Compliance to Opportunity
A well-crafted VPAT transforms accessibility from obligation to opportunity, opening doors to government contracts, reducing legal exposure, and signaling your commitment to inclusive design.
Accessibility isn’t a one-time achievement but a continuous commitment. Regular VPAT updates ensure you stay ahead of requirements while consistently delivering accessible experiences.
Ready to leverage accessibility conformance reporting as a business asset? Book a free demo to see how Pluro can streamline your path to comprehensive accessibility documentation.
