The VPAT Template: What it is and Why it Matters
A VPAT, or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, is a document that outlines a product’s accessibility features and how it conforms to the WCAG 2.0 standards. It’s an essential tool for companies looking to make their products accessible to people with disabilities.
The VPAT template empowers companies to demonstrate their commitment to making their products accessible and for customers to understand how their products address accessibility needs. The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)The VPAT developed the VPAT to standardize the accessibility evaluation process. The template provides an easy-to-understand format that outlines a product’s accessibility features, including how it conforms to the WCAG 2.0 accessibility guidelines. It also includes a summary of the product’s accessibility components, such as how it supports keyboard navigation, using alternative text for images, and other features.
How VPAT Relates to Section 508
You need to understand Section 508 to understand VPAT accessibility. Section 508 mandates that people with disabilities must have access to digital information and communications. Moreover, it requires American federal agencies and their collaborators to satisfy Section 508 guidelines.
A VPAT rigorously inspects these agencies to verify their Section 508 adherence. So, it enables companies to announce that they have compliant products, and it’s their responsibility to complete a VPAT. VPATs also support governmental analysis of accessible digital technology.
Show Your Commitment to Accessibility
VPATs are essential for all companies to create, and the first step to VPAT certification. Primarily, having a VPAT empowers your company to convey its commitment to accessibility. This dedication can help to boost consumer confidence and trust, as customers will know your company takes accessibility seriously.
Additionally, it can help make evaluating a product’s accessibility easier and more consistent, as the VPAT provides an easy-to-understand format for customers to review. Finally, it can help to ensure that companies comply with the WCAG 2.0 guidelines, as the VPAT can help identify any potential areas of non-compliance.
Creating a VPAT template is a relatively straightforward process:
- Compile a list of the product’s accessibility features. The list should include any design and UX features that are related to accessibility, such as keyboard navigation, support for screen readers, and other features.
- Fill out the VPAT template using the features as a reference and include information on how each feature conforms to the WCAG 2.0 guidelines.
- Review the template to ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
Parting Words
VPATs are critical for any company that wants to achieve better web accessibility for people with disabilities. Providing a transparent and accurate reflection of your accessibility standards helps establish trust between you and your customers—it also shows them you respect current accessibility laws. In addition, the VPAT template outlines a product’s accessibility features and WCAG compliance status in an easy-to-understand format. Rest assured, VPAT certification is a straightforward process that can increase web accessibility, elevate consumer confidence, and help your company comply with WCAG 2.0 guidelines. What not to get started today?