Get the INT edition of the VPAT when you’re selling to multiple target demographics that require multiple editions of the VPAT.
This way you have one Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) that satisfies buyers across different target demographics. It consolidates three other VPAT editions into a single document.
| Key Factor | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Standards Covered | WCAG, Section 508, and EN 301 549 in one ACR |
| Best For | Products or services selling to U.S. federal, European, international markets, and/or multiple target demographics |
| Primary Benefit | One document satisfies multiple buyer requirements |
| Cost Consideration | Higher upfront cost but eliminates need for separate ACRs |
What the INT Edition Covers
The INT VPAT combines the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), Section 508, and EN 301 549 editions into one template, forming one all encompassing VPAT edition.
A federal procurement officer can focus in on the Section 508 information. A European buyer locates EN 301 549 conformance levels. An educational institution can easily access your product or service’s WCAG conformance. Everyone gets what they need from the same report.
When the INT Edition Makes Sense
The two best reasons to opt for the International edition of the VPAT are:
- You sell across multiple markets. Products reaching both U.S. and European buyers need different documentation under the traditional approach. The INT edition removes that duplication. One ACR covers procurement requirements across regions instead of juggling separate reports for each market.
- You anticipate international expansion. Your product sells exclusively domestically today. Next year you might target European markets. The European Accessibility Act is pushing more organizations to require EN 301 549 documentation. Getting the INT edition now means you’ll have documentation in advance. That said, you might want to update your ACR in a year.
When Other Editions Work Better
The INT edition evaluates your product against three standards instead of one. Your audit needs to test against more criteria. Filling in the VPAT takes longer because there are more tables to complete. This typically adds $950 or more to your VPAT completion costs beyond the audit itself.
Selling exclusively to U.S. federal agencies with no international plans? The 508 edition costs less and covers your needs. Buyers consistently specify WCAG 2.1 AA with no other requirements? The WCAG edition delivers exactly what they request. Accessible.org recommends the WCAG edition by default unless a client has clear reasons to pick something else.
Cost
The INT edition costs more initially. We charge $950 for filling in, completing, and issuing the ACR (in addition to the audit cost). Because there are more technical standards to audit and account for, issuing the INT edition takes us significantly more time vs. other editions which are tied to only one standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I sacrifice anything when choosing the INT?
No, there’s no trade-off because you’re getting all three VPAT editions in one.
When should I choose WCAG instead of INT?
Most of our clients opt for the WCAG edition. If your buyers only require the WCAG edition, obviously that’s all you need. Also, if you don’t anticipate selling to multiple demographics, that’s another card in favor of WCAG. If your product or service has no physical components, that’s another card. Always check with your buyer first.
Can I use the INT edition for a website?
VPATs document the accessibility products and services rather than standalone websites. If your website provides product documentation or functions as part of your service, include those pages in your ACR scope. Also, if your website itself is the product being sold, then a VPAT is warranted. Focus on whether the website functions as either a product or service. Note that certain web pages (e.g., support, knowledge base, instructions, etc. can be a part of a product or service.
Help
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