Understanding the Purpose of VPAT

If you work in tech, you’ve probably heard of VPATs – Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates. VPATs ensure digital content accessibility for people with disabilities. Understanding their purpose and creating a comprehensive one for your project is crucial for meeting accessibility standards and promoting equal access to information. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of VPATs and their compliance purposes, from avoiding discrimination law violations to delivering an inclusive user experience.

What is VPAT and why is it important for organizations to understand its purpose

VPAT, or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, is a document that outlines how accessible a particular product is for people with disabilities. It was created as part of the Section 508 amendment to the US Rehabilitation Act in 1998 and has since been adopted by multiple countries around the world. Therefore, understanding your VPAT is crucial for organizations as it helps them assess their digital content’s accessibility and ensures compliance with disability rights laws. It also allows organizations to identify any potential barriers that may prevent individuals with disabilities from fully accessing their products or services, enabling them to make the necessary improvements for a more inclusive experience.

The Different Components of VPAT

A VPAT consists of sections that provide accessibility information for each feature or functionality of a product. This includes a product description, conformance to accessibility standards, and any remarks or limitations. The first section, “Product Description”, gives an overview of the product’s purpose and functionality. The second section, “Support Documentation and Services”, includes details on user guides, documentation, and support for individuals with disabilities. The third section, “Accessibility Conformance Report”, evaluates conformance to accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 or Section 508. Lastly, the “Remarks and Explanations” section allows for additional comments on accessibility.

Common Questions Organizations Should Ask When Creating a VPAT

Some common questions organizations should consider asking themselves are: Does the product meet accessibility standards? Are there any known barriers for individuals with disabilities? Is accessibility factored into the design and development process? Does the product have alternative options or accommodations for individuals with disabilities? These questions can help organizations thoroughly evaluate their product’s accessibility and make necessary changes to ensure compliance and inclusivity. Furthermore, by considering these questions, organizations can also demonstrate their commitment to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities.

The Different Components of VPAT

Common Questions Organizations Should Ask When Creating a VPAT

Benefits of Completing a VPAT for an Organization

Completing a VPAT can bring several benefits to an organization. Firstly, it ensures compliance with disability rights laws and regulations, reducing the risk of discrimination law violations. Additionally, it allows organizations to identify any potential barriers for individuals with disabilities and make necessary improvements for a more inclusive experience. A VPAT also demonstrates an organization’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, enhancing its reputation and brand image.

Furthermore, a comprehensive VPAT can attract more customers, including individuals with disabilities, who value and prioritize accessible products and services. Ultimately, completing a VPAT can bring numerous benefits to an organization, making it an essential tool for promoting accessibility and inclusivity.

The Process of Completing a VPAT Step-by-Step

To complete a VPAT, follow these steps:

Collect all necessary information about the product, including its purpose, features, and functionality.
Evaluate the product’s accessibility against recognized standards like WCAG 2.1 or Section 508. Test it with different assistive technologies to identify potential barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Write the VPAT, providing all required information and comments for each section. Accuracy and thoroughness are crucial as the VPAT represents the product’s accessibility.
Publish the VPAT on the organization’s website or make it available upon request. This helps individuals with disabilities make informed decisions.
Periodically review and update the VPAT to ensure ongoing compliance and accessibility improvements.

Best Practices for Completing a Comprehensive VPAT

When it comes to completing a VPAT, there are several best practices that organizations should keep in mind. Some of these include involving individuals with disabilities in the evaluation process, using clear and plain language for each section, providing examples or links to support documentation, and being transparent about any known limitations. It’s also essential to regularly review and update the VPAT as products and accessibility standards evolve.

Additionally, organizations should consider seeking feedback from individuals with disabilities on their product’s accessibility improvements based on the VPAT. Finally, it’s crucial to remember that a VPAT is not just a formality but an important document for promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all.

VPATs play a critical role in promoting accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. By following the steps outlined in this post and incorporating best practices, organizations can create comprehensive VPATs that not only demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity but also enhance their reputation and attract a wider customer base.