VPATs and ACRs for Digital Products
Document Your Accessibility
Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs) and Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) document how your digital product conforms with a specific accessibility standard.
Who Needs a VPAT?
If you are selling information technology, you will likely need to have a VPAT.
Required to have a VPAT
Recommended to Have a VPAT
VPAT Process and Pricing
1. Audit
A full accessibility audit of your digital product is required to identify all accessibility barriers and areas of non-conformance.
2. Remediation
Your digital product will need to be remediated and retested to confirm fixes have removed the accessibility defect.
3. Document
After remediation, your VPAT will be created to show how your product conforms to accessibility standards.
VPAT document preparation: $500 + cost of audit and remediation
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a VPAT and ACR?
The VPAT is the template that is used to create the document. The template will vary based on the specific accessibility standard. The final document is called an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
Do I Need a VPAT for My Business Website?
Because websites are dynamic and constantly changing, a VPAT is not typically required for an organization’s website. VPATs are more common for digital products like web and mobile apps, online bill payment tools, CRMs, and learning management systems (LMS).
How Long Does it Take to Get a VPAT?
The preparation of the VPAT/ACR typically takes a week or less. However, the audit and remediation process that precedes a VPAT will vary based on the size and complexity of the digital product.
How Often Does a VPAT Need to be Updated?
In general, it’s best to update your VPAT at least once a year. If you make significant updates to your digital product more frequently, you should update your VPAT more often to reflect those changes.
Can AI Create My VPAT?
If you provide all of the information to the AI, it’s possible it could output a document in the required format. However, AIs and automated tools can’t do the work that generates the information that needs to be provided to complete the VPAT. AI and automated scanning tools cannot fully test digital tools against accessibility standards like WCAG. AI tools are not currently capable of reliably producing accessible code, even when the prompt includes the requirement for code to meet WCAG.
*LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Elevage Digital uses current WCAG standards as the guide for website accessibility best practices. However, following these best practices may not automatically result in an ADA-compliant website or compliance with any other laws. Elevage Digital cannot offer legal advice on compliance. Elevage Digital cannot guarantee protection against legal action related to compliance with ADA guidelines for Elevage Digitals’ potential and current customers. Elevage Digital will not be liable for any claims brought against potential or current clients related to ADA compliance; further, Elevage Digital will not be liable for claims related to code or content produced by you or any third party. If you are concerned about legal compliance with ADA guidelines or any other legalities related to your website, you must consult a licensed attorney.
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