Everything You Need to Know About VPAT Compliance

Making sure your digital products are accessible is important for everyone. One key way to show your commitment to accessibility is through VPAT compliance. But what exactly does VPAT mean? VPAT stands for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. It’s a document that shows how accessible your digital products are according to set guidelines.

VPAT compliance is important for businesses that want to sell their products to the federal government. It helps buyers understand how your product meets accessibility standards. This can also assure users with disabilities that your product is usable for them. Creating a VPAT can seem complex, but understanding its purpose and structure can make it manageable.

In this article, we will discuss what VPAT compliance is, the steps to create a VPAT, the key sections of a VPAT document, and tips for maintaining VPAT compliance. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your products are easy to use for everyone and meet all necessary standards. Let's dive in and make your digital content more inclusive for all users.

What Is VPAT Compliance?

VPAT compliance is about showing how accessible your digital products are. VPAT stands for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. This template helps explain how well your products meet accessibility standards. These standards are set by the Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. This act requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.

Why Is It Important?

1. Legal Requirements: If you want to sell your products to the federal government, having a VPAT is often necessary. It shows that your product meets the required accessibility guidelines.

2. Customer Trust: A VPAT can help customers trust that your product is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

3. Market Expansion: Ensuring accessibility can expand your market by making your products usable for a wider range of people.

Simply put, having a VPAT means you are taking steps to make sure your products work for everyone. It's important for legal reasons and for building trust with your users.

Steps to Creating a VPAT

Creating a VPAT might seem challenging, but breaking it down into steps can make it easier. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Understand the Requirements:

• Read the Guidelines: Get familiar with Section 508 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines tell you what needs to be accessible.
• Identify Your Product's Features: Know the features of your product that need to be checked for accessibility.

2. Conduct an Accessibility Audit:

• Manual Testing: Check different aspects of your product manually. This includes testing with screen readers and keyboard navigation.
• Automated Tools: Use automated tools to scan for common accessibility issues. Tools like WAVE or ANDI can help.

3. Document Your Findings:

• Fill Out the VPAT: Use the VPAT template to document how your product meets each guideline. Be honest and detailed in your responses.
• Provide Evidence: Include examples and test results to support your claims.

4. Review and Revise:

• Internal Review: Have team members review the VPAT for accuracy.
• External Review: If possible, get an expert in accessibility to review your VPAT. They can catch issues you might have missed.

By following these steps, you can create a thorough and honest VPAT. This document will help show that your product is accessible and trustworthy.

Key Sections of a VPAT Document

A VPAT document is organized into several key sections. Understanding these sections will help you create a thorough and effective VPAT.

1. Product Information:

• Title and Version: Clearly state the name and version of the product.
• Date: Include the date when the VPAT was created.
• Contact Information: Provide contact details for someone who can answer questions about the VPAT.

2. Accessibility Standards and Guidelines:

• Section 508: This section covers federal requirements in the United States.
• WCAG: List how your product meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
• Other Standards: If applicable, include any other relevant accessibility standards.

3. Detailed Accessibility Conformance Report:

• Summary Table: Provide a summary of how the product meets each guideline.
• Individual Criteria: For each criterion, indicate whether the product supports it fully, partially, or not at all. Provide detailed explanations and evidence for your claims.
• Remarks and Explanations: Offer any additional information that helps explain the product’s level of accessibility.

4. Additional Considerations:

• Future Plans: Describe any plans for improving accessibility in future updates.
• Testing Methods: Mention the methods and tools used to test the product's accessibility.

Organizing your VPAT in this way ensures it is clear and comprehensive. It helps buyers and users understand how your product meets accessibility standards.

Tips for Maintaining VPAT Compliance

Maintaining VPAT compliance is ongoing. It requires regular updates and continuous improvement to ensure accessibility.

1. Regular Audits and Updates:

• Conduct Regular Audits: Schedule regular accessibility audits. This will help catch new issues that may arise as your product evolves.
• Update the VPAT: Whenever there are changes or updates to your product, review and update the VPAT to reflect these changes.

2. Employee Training:

• Train Your Team: Make sure all team members understand accessibility standards. This includes developers, designers, and content creators.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with changes in accessibility laws and standards. Ensure your team is aware of any updates.

3. Feedback and Improvement:

• User Feedback: Encourage users to provide feedback on accessibility. Use this feedback to improve your product.
• Iterative Improvements: Make accessibility part of your regular development process. Integrate accessibility checks into your development cycles.

4. Expert Reviews:

• Consult Experts: Consider having your VPAT reviewed by accessibility experts. They can provide valuable insights and identify areas for improvement.
• Use Automated Tools: Employ automated tools to regularly check your product for accessibility issues.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your product remains accessible over time. Continuous commitment to accessibility will benefit all users and help you meet legal requirements.

Conclusion

VPAT compliance is an essential part of making sure that your digital products are accessible to everyone. From creating the initial VPAT to maintaining compliance, every step is crucial. A well-crafted VPAT not only helps meet legal requirements but also reassures users that your product is inclusive. By understanding the key sections of a VPAT and following best practices for maintaining compliance, you make your products more user-friendly for everyone.

Incorporate regular audits, employee training, and user feedback into your process to ensure ongoing compliance. Staying proactive about accessibility will enhance your product’s usability and open it to a broader audience.

Are you ready to ensure your products are accessible to all users? Contact ADA Compliance today for expert VPAT compliance services and make your digital content inclusive and compliant. Let's make the web more accessible together!