In the marketplace, the meaning of VPAT is understood to be what an ACR actually is: a standardized report on the accessibility of an ICT product or service. ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology.
However, technically VPAT and ACR are two separate terms that, while closely related, are distinct from one another.
VPAT stands for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. ACR stands for Accessibility Conformance Report.
The VPAT is a standardized template that organizations fill in to document how their products or services conform to accessibility standards. Once completed, this filled-in VPAT becomes an ACR.
These documents are essential for procurement processes, especially when selling to government agencies, educational institutions, and enterprises that require accessibility documentation. Understanding the distinction between these terms and their practical applications is crucial for any organization looking to demonstrate their commitment to accessibility and win contracts in today’s marketplace.
| Aspect | VPAT | ACR |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Voluntary Product Accessibility Template | Accessibility Conformance Report |
| Status | Blank template ready to be filled in | Completed document with all information |
| Purpose | Provides standardized format for reporting | Shows accessibility status of product or service |
| Content | Empty tables and accessibility criteria list | Conformance levels, remarks, and explanations |
| Usage | Starting point for documentation process | Submitted to buyers and procurement agents |
| Value | Standardized document for accounting of accessibility | Compelling document representing accessibility of product or service |
Understanding VPAT: The Template
A VPAT is exactly what its name suggests – a template. It’s a standardized document format created by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) that provides a consistent way to report on the accessibility of information and communication technology (ICT) products and services.
The VPAT isn’t just one template but comes in four different editions:
- WCAG Edition: Based on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
- Section 508 Edition: Aligned with U.S. federal accessibility standards
- EN 301 549 Edition: Following European accessibility requirements
- INT Edition: Combining all standards into one comprehensive document
Each edition serves different markets and compliance requirements, but they all share the same fundamental purpose: translating complex accessibility requirements into actionable testing criteria that can be documented and evaluated.
The ACR: Your Completed Documentation
An ACR is what you get when you fill in and complete a VPAT. Think of it this way: if the VPAT is a blank form, the ACR is that form with all the boxes checked, all the fields completed, and all the accessibility information documented.
The terms VPAT and ACR are used interchangeably in the marketplace, which can create confusion. When procurement agents or potential buyers ask for a VPAT, they’re really asking for an ACR – the completed document that shows how accessible your product or service actually is.
The Practical Difference That Matters
While the technical distinction is straightforward – VPAT is the template, ACR is the completed report – the practical implications run deeper. A VPAT by itself is just potential documentation. It represents the framework for assessment but provides no actual information about accessibility.
An ACR, on the other hand, contains:
- Detailed conformance levels for each accessibility criterion
- Remarks and explanations for any partial or non-conformance
- Specific information about testing methodologies used
- Contact information for follow-up questions
- Evaluation methods employed during assessment
This completed documentation is what buyers actually need to make informed decisions about procurement.
Why These Documents Exist
VPATs and ACRs serve a critical function in the modern digital marketplace. Under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, U.S. federal agencies must procure accessible ICT products and services. This means vendors selling to federal agencies are required to supply an ACR to demonstrate accessibility.
But the influence extends far beyond federal procurement. State agencies, universities, school districts, and large enterprises have adopted similar policies. The network effect has taken hold – what started as a federal requirement has become a market expectation across sectors.
The standardized format of VPATs makes it easier for buyers to:
- Compare accessibility across different products
- Understand specific accessibility limitations
- Make informed procurement decisions
- Ensure compliance with their own accessibility requirements
The Process from VPAT to ACR
Creating an ACR from a VPAT involves several key steps:
First, you need to determine which VPAT edition fits your buyer’s requirements. Most organizations default to the WCAG edition unless there’s a specific requirement for another standard.
Next comes the crucial step: conducting an accessibility audit. You can’t accurately fill out a VPAT without thoroughly evaluating your product or service against the relevant accessibility standards. This involves multiple testing methodologies including screen reader testing, keyboard navigation testing, visual inspection, and code inspection.
Once the audit is complete, the findings are transferred into the VPAT’s accessibility table. Each criterion receives a conformance level – Supports, Partially Supports, Does Not Support, or Not Applicable. When issues exist, detailed remarks and explanations must be provided.
Finally, product details, contact information, and evaluation methods are documented in the VPAT’s details section. With both the details section and accessibility table complete, you have an ACR ready for distribution.
Common Misconceptions
One frequent misunderstanding is that VPATs are certification. They’re not. An ACR doesn’t certify that a product is compliant with any law or fully conformant with a technical standard. It’s an accounting of accessibility – a detailed snapshot showing where a product stands in relation to specific accessibility criteria.
Another misconception involves who should complete these documents. While anyone can technically fill in a VPAT, discerning buyers will ask who issued your ACR. Independent third-party assessments from reputable digital accessibility companies carry more weight than self-assessments, as they eliminate potential bias and ensure technical expertise.
The Bottom Line for Organizations
Whether you call it a VPAT or an ACR, having this documentation has become essential for competing in many markets. Organizations without ACRs often find themselves excluded from consideration, regardless of their product’s actual accessibility or other merits.
The investment in creating an ACR typically pays dividends through expanded market opportunities. Educational institutions, government agencies, and enterprises increasingly require this documentation as a baseline for consideration. Without it, you’re essentially locked out of these markets.
For organizations new to this process, partnering with an experienced accessibility company can streamline ACR creation. They bring the technical expertise to conduct thorough audits and accurately complete VPATs, resulting in ACRs that stand up to scrutiny from knowledgeable procurement agents.
Understanding VPATs and ACRs isn’t just about knowing what the acronyms mean – it’s about recognizing their role as essential business documents that open doors to opportunities and demonstrate genuine commitment to accessibility. In today’s marketplace, that understanding can make the difference between winning contracts and watching competitors take them.
