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Accessibility - VPAT

Preparing a VPAT

Lots to cover in this section so lets get to it. The included spreadsheet link (below) is a checklist that presents recommendations for implementing accessibility principles and techniques for those seeking 508/WCAG conformance. The language used significantly simplifies and condenses the 2.x specification and supporting materials to make it easier to implement and verify for web pages. Link in the accordion at the bottom of the page. The included Youtube links are good reference material to explain the VPAT process further.

What is a VPAT and why do I need one?

Ever wondered how accessible a new software program or website truly is? Enter the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). A VPAT is your roadmap to understanding how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products measure up to accessibility standards.

Here's how VPATs empower government agencies to make informed tech purchases:

  • Accessibility at a Glance: VPATs provide a clear picture of a product's compliance with accessibility guidelines. Think of it as an accessibility snapshot.
  • Side-by-Side Comparisons: Considering multiple tech options? VPATs allow you to effortlessly compare accessibility features across different products.
  • Meeting Your Needs: VPATs help you choose products that align with both your organization's specific needs and legal accessibility requirements.
  • Planning for Accessibility: Even if the ideal accessible product isn't available, VPATs can be a springboard for brainstorming alternative solutions to ensure equal access.

Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)

Ever wonder how accessibility gets factored into buying new technology? The Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) plays a key role, sparking crucial conversations within your organization.

Here's how it works:

  • Expert Eyes on Accessibility: Your ACR gets reviewed by an in-house pro or an external consultant with a keen eye for both tech and accessibility. They assess the potential risks and how well the product serves different user needs.
  • Finding the Glitches: If the ACR reveals any accessibility issues, the requestor (the person requesting the purchase) gets a heads-up. This transparency allows for informed decision-making.
  • Addressing the Gaps: If there are problems, the requestor can leverage the exception process. Think of it as a toolbox with options:
    • Fixing it Yourself: The requestor's team can take on the task of making the product more accessible.
    • Vendor Steps Up: The requestor can involve the vendor in fixing the issues, ensuring a future-proof solution.
    • Seeking an Exemption: In some cases, the requestor can request an exemption from the organization's accessibility policy, but only with a strong justification.

Remember: An ACR with some issues isn't an automatic "no." It simply provides valuable insights for a well-rounded decision.

Bonus Tip: VPATs are for off-the-shelf products, not custom services like website development.

By utilizing ACRs effectively, you can ensure your organization invests in technology that's accessible and empowers everyone!

VPAT Specifics

The VPAT document contains two sections: instructions on how to use the document and the conformance template itself. Your businesses should present a thorough and honest analysis of their product. The basic structure of a VPAT prompts respondents to assess their conformance to specific provisions relevant to a product or service and select their degree of conformance, using one of four conformance levels: supports; partially supports; does not support; or not applicable.

  • Make sure you, or a person filling out a VPAT on your behalf, are familiar with the accessibility standards of the template edition being completed.
  • The accessibility criteria in a VPAT are not pass/fail assessment, so you must provide detailed information about what your product can and cannot do.
  • The person closest to the product is the ideal person to complete a VPAT. Product or Business Analyst perhaps with strong knowledge of the product and some accessibility experience.
  • A VPAT is an extensive document and can take a long time to complete. For a typical application it can take 3-5 days. Defects and remediation add to this time line. Allow enough time to complete your VPAT.

For agencies and organizations that do business with the federal government and are required to fill out VPATs, having a long-term strategy for comprehensive and ongoing accessibility monitoring and remediation is the key to success.

Information and links to the VPAT itself are available inside the "Preparing a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template" spreadsheet included with the guide.

Below is the link, you can share it anywhere.

Thank you for taking the time to view the VPAT guide. I hope you find it useful.

Quick Guide

Here is an example to check if a specific criteria on a specific page of your web app is compliant. It details only one of the Criteria that your app should meet in order to complete the VPAT ACR.

illustration comparing the word doc criteria to the spreadsheet

Compare the Table Criteria from the original VPAT word document to reference the Criteria listed in the "VPAT Criteria Guide" Tab in the spreadsheet.

You'll be able to reference, remarks and explanations, code examples, comments, image examples (where appropriate), and links.

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