Clients sometimes ask us for our recommendation on which VPAT edition to use.
The key is to selecting is VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is understanding how each edition aligns with your product and market requirements. Give us 2 minutes and we’ll have you at expert VPAT selector status.
Note 1: If you’re mostly concerned with one buyer, the best path is to get the answer straight from the horse’s mouth.
Note 2: Don’t lose too much sleep over choosing the wrong VPAT edition. If you realize you chose the wrong one right away, you can probably just pay an additional small charge and get the right one.
Table of Contents
Current VPAT Editions
The VPAT template offers 4 editions designed to meet different market needs and compliance requirements. Each edition uses different technical standards while maintaining the same simplified accessibility table structure.
Current VPAT editions are:
- VPAT 2.5 WCAG: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines standards (choose a version)
- VPAT 2.5 508: Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act standards (include WCAG 2.0 AA)
- VPAT 2.5 EU: European Union’s EN 301 549 standard
- VPAT 2.5 INT: Combines all technical standards into one comprehensive document
Just by the names of the VPATs, you already have a 35% progress bar on your decision – maybe even 100%.
For example, if you’re selling to U.S. federal agencies, then the 508 edition is for you.
But let’s keep going to make sure you make the right choice.
Big Factors in Edition Selection
Straight to the bullet points we go:
- Why you’re getting the ACR in the first place
- Specific procurement requirements from buyers
- Generally who your buyers are
- Target market location and regulatory requirements
- Future market expansion plans
Other considerations include:
- Timeline (when do you to deliver the ACR by)
- Whether you will be remediating issues found in the audit
Here are two key extractions from this section:
One, if you’re in a hurry, don’t go with the INT version – it’s all standards packed into one VPAT and it’s going to take longer to put together (because there are more criteria to audit and account for).
If you’re selling across the globe, go with the INT. This way you have the Swiss Army Knife edition of the VPAT and can flex your accessibility no matter what standard procurement agents are asking for.
Market-Based Selection
United States Market
If you’re selling to U.S. federal agencies, the 508 edition of the VPAT is the obvious choice. Although the INT edition is also on the table because it includes 508. However, if you’re selling to private sector organizations or state/local governments in the U.S., the WCAG edition is typically sufficient since these entities generally focus on WCAG conformance rather than the full Section 508 standards.
European Market
Organizations targeting European public sector procurement should use the EU edition which incorporates EN 301 549 requirements. This edition specifically addresses European accessibility standards and procurement requirements. Private sector organizations selling in Europe may opt for the WCAG edition if they don’t need to meet specific EN 301 549 requirements.
Global Market
For organizations selling globally, two viable approaches exist:
- Use the International edition to create one comprehensive document that covers all standards:
- Provides complete coverage for all markets
- Requires more accessibility criteria be met
- Create market-specific ACRs using different editions:
- Gives you targeted documentation for each buyer
- You’ll have to keep track of multiple documents
- Costs extra
VPAT DeFault Choice: WCAG Edition
When the answer isn’t obvious, go with the WCAG edition. WCAG is recognized across the globes and there’s strong overlap with 508 and EN 301 549 standards for digital accessibility.
Which version of WCAG, you ask. We like WCAG 2.1 AA, but WCAG 2.2 AA works if you’re on your A+ game. Just keep in mind that 2.2 AA is harder to be in full conformance with.
Summary
After reading this guide, you should have be zeroing in on a specific VPAT edition, but if you still aren’t sure, we’re happy to help.
We can also help with your audit and filling in the VPAT for you. When we’re finished, you’ll have an independently issued Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) from a reputable digital accessibility company.
