What is it a VPAT Certificate?
VPAT stands for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. It is a document created by software and hardware vendors to communicate the level of accessibility of their products to customers, especially those with disabilities. The VPAT is designed to help organizations make informed decisions about the accessibility of the products they purchase and to ensure that those products meet their accessibility needs.
The VPAT includes a checklist that outlines the features and functionalities of a product and how they comply with accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The VPAT typically includes a summary of the product’s level of accessibility, along with a detailed description of how the product meets or does not meet accessibility criteria.
The VPAT is an important tool for ensuring that products are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. It provides a standardized format for communicating accessibility information and allows customers to compare the accessibility of different products. Many government agencies, businesses, and organizations require vendors to provide a VPAT as part of their procurement process to ensure that the products they purchase are accessible.
Are VPAT Certificates required?
A VPAT is not required by law, but it is often requested by organizations to ensure that the products they purchase meet accessibility standards and comply with disability laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Many government agencies, educational institutions, and private companies require vendors to provide a VPAT as part of their procurement process to ensure that the products they purchase are accessible.
Additionally, many organizations consider accessibility a best practice and strive to ensure that their products are accessible to as many users as possible, regardless of disability status. Providing a VPAT can help vendors meet the growing demand for accessible products and services, and can also help them avoid legal and reputational risks associated with inaccessible products.
Benefits of VPAT
A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) has a number of advantages for both vendors and customers:
Ensures compliance with accessibility standards: A VPAT lets vendors explain how their product meets accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This makes sure that the product follows the laws and rules that apply.
Shows dedication to accessibility: Providing a VPAT shows that a vendor is dedicated to accessibility and takes accessibility seriously.
Helps customers make smart choices: A VPAT gives customers information about the accessibility of the products they buy, so they can make smart choices about what to buy. It gives a standard way to share information about accessibility, so customers can compare how accessible different products are.
Reduces legal and reputational risks: By giving a VPAT, vendors can reduce the legal and reputational risks that come with products that are hard to get to. It can keep them from getting sued, paying fines, or having their reputation hurt.
Increases marketability: Giving a VPAT to a product can make it easier to sell. Vendors can make their products more appealing to customers who care about accessibility by demonstrating compliance with accessibility standards.
Example of a VPAT Certificate
A VPAT certificate for a website could include information about the website’s compliance with WCAG 2.0, such as the usage of appropriate alt text for images, the ability to navigate the site with a keyboard, and the supply of captioning for video material. It may also include any known concerns, such as the use of potentially inaccessible third-party plugins.
How Can I Get a VPAT?
If you are a vendor, you can create a VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) for your product by following these steps:
- Review accessibility standards: Review accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to determine the level of accessibility your product meets.
- Use the VPAT template: Use the VPAT template provided by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) to create your VPAT. The template provides a standardized format for communicating accessibility information.
- Complete the checklist: Complete the VPAT checklist, which outlines the features and functionalities of your product and how they comply with accessibility standards.
- Provide a summary: Provide a summary of your product’s level of accessibility, along with a detailed description of how it meets or does not meet accessibility criteria.
- Publish the VPAT: Publish the VPAT on your website or provide it to customers upon request.
If you are a customer looking to obtain a VPAT for a product, you can request one from the vendor. Many vendors make their VPATs available on their websites, but if you cannot find one, you can contact the vendor directly and request a copy.
In addition, some third-party organizations offer VPAT verification services to help ensure that the information provided in a VPAT is accurate and up-to-date. These organizations can review the VPAT and provide a verification report, which can help customers make more informed decisions about the accessibility of a product.