Accessibility is a compulsion, not a luxury, in these technologically advanced times. Whether you are a software provider hoping to sell to government agencies or a business trying to become more inclusive. The ADA, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the EU's EN 301 549, WCAG, are to be adhered to and make your digital assets accessible.
In 2023, 4605 accessibility lawsuits were filed in the U.S., which shows that the risk of legal actions against companies being non-compliant is increasing.
This is where VPAT and ACR come into play. They prove that your digital assets (website, desktop applications, or mobile applications) are accessible and meet the defined guidelines.
Let's understand what they are, their significance, and how they can influence the compliance journey.
The Growing Importance of Digital Accessibility Compliance
More than ever, companies are being held responsible for digital accessibility as a result of increasing legal and procurement pressure. Businesses from all industries, but particularly those vying for government contracts, need to demonstrate that their digital products are usable by people with impairments. Legal action and public scrutiny are also on the rise.
Proper documentation, specifically VPAT and the resultant ACR, is more than just a checklist exercise. It offers you protection against lawsuits, enables, and opens valuable business procurement opportunities.
In 2022, Domino’s Pizza’s website failed to meet accessibility standards and lost a high-profile case. This highlighted the risks of non-compliance to all businesses with digital tools.
What is a VPAT Report?
The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). It is a document that describes how well a product or service conforms to accessibility standards.
Why does VPAT matter?
It evaluates whether your digital products adhere to accessibility standards such as WCAG, ADA, Section 508, EAA/EN 301 549, etc. Each factor on the template must be indicated as Fully Supported, Partially Supported, or Not Supported, along with thorough explanations, for more transparency and compliance assurance.
A well-prepared VPAT allows organizations to identify accessibility gaps and plan remediation efforts.
Versions of VPAT
Different versions of VPAT address a varied set of criteria, depending on the region and standard you’re targeting; the versions are as follows:
VPAT 2.5 508: It is aligned with U.S. Section 508 standards.
VPAT 2.5 EU: To align with the accessibility standards of the European EN 301 549, this template will assist you
VPAT 2.5 WCAG: It focuses solely on the regulations and criteria laid out in WCAG.
VPAT 2.5 INT: This template incorporates all three VPATs and offers a global accessibility adherence perspective.
What is an Accessibility Conformance Report?
An Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) depicts the level of accessibility compliance achieved by a digital asset, like a website, application, or document. It is inclusive of all information as to the features implemented, breaches identified, and corrective measures implemented.
When a VPAT is filled in and completed, an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is created. An ACR plays a pivotal role in complying with legal obligations, assisting in making procurement decisions, and showing your accessibility efforts to regulating entities, clients, and partners.
All in all, an ACR shows a clear picture of accessibility compliance, and is often required for ADA compliance, Section 508 requirements, and other global standards.
ACR Standards and Conformance Levels
An ACR evaluates your product against standards such as:
- WCAG 2.1 (A, AA, AAA levels)
- Revised Section 508 (U.S.)
- EN 301 549 (EU)
The conformance levels A, AA, and AAA represent increasing levels of accessibility. Most organizations aim for WCAG 2.1 AA, which balances compliance and practicality.
Costing & Turnaround Time for VPAT & ACR
The VPAT and ACR report pricing depends on the size of the website or document that has to be assessed. Here are the plans offered at Skynet Technologies for VPAT & ACR Reporting:
- Plan 1:
5 Pages/2 Templates: $1000 for Key Templates
TAT: Delivered in approximately 5 business days.
- Plan 2:
10 Pages/4 Templates: $2500 for Key Templates
TAT: Delivered in approximately 7 business days.
- Plan 3:
30 Pages/12 Templates: Complete Review for $7500
TAT: Delivered in approximately 14 business days
- Plan 4:
50 Pages/20 Templates: Complete Review for $12,500
TAT: Delivered in approximately 28 business days
- Plan 5:
100 Pages/40 Templates: Complete Review for $25,000
TAT: Delivered in approximately 70 business days
Factors that affect the cost include the number of pages, forms, audio, dynamic elements in the website, documents, or applications.
How VPAT & ACR Influence Accessibility Compliance Certification
An accessibility compliance certification will have a positive influence, as many agencies and enterprises don’t even consider a product unless these documents are on the table.
Thorough and accurate VPAT/ACR proves that your assets comply with accessibility requirements. It acts as a compliance backbone. Failing to comply with accessibility regulations under ADA, WCAG, Section 508, and EA/EN 301 549 can lead to hefty lawsuits and reputational damage.
An in-depth ACR shows due diligence and can help deflect legal risk or settle disputes amicably. Let’s not beat around the bush; if you want your product to be considered in public or enterprise procurement, accessibility compliance certification is mandatory. This certification can only be obtained if the VPAT and ACR reports are accurately created.
Tools Commonly Used in VPAT/ACR Preparation
Accessibility audits aren’t done with a magic wand; they rely on a mix of automated tools and manual testing. Here are some heavy hitters:
- WAVE: Quick visual accessibility evaluations
- axe DevTools: Powerful browser extension for developers
- Lighthouse: Google’s open-source auditing tool
- Color Contrast Analyzer (TPGi): Ensures color contrast meets WCAG
- ANDI (Accessible Name & Description Inspector): Highlights hidden accessibility metadata
- Siteimprove Accessibility Checker: Cloud-based testing and reporting tool
- AChecker: Online tool for checking HTML content against accessibility guidelines
However, Skynet Technologies offers some powerful tools that can be leveraged to conduct a comprehensive accessibility analysis on your website.
All in One Accessibility: A seamless, fast-to-integrate accessibility widget driven by AI. With more than 70+ features and supports more than 140 languages, it quickly improves the accessibility of websites. Additionally, it is a lightweight solution that doesn’t affect your website's performance. You may try it on your website and see the impact for yourself with Skynet Technologies' 10-day free trial.
Skynet Accessibility Checker: A fast and free tool that thoroughly scans your website to perform a wide array of checks. It successfully identifies accessibility problems concerning ADA, WCAG, and other international accessibility standards. Addressing these problems can enhance accessibility and provide users with an inclusive experience.
Accessibility Scanning and Monitoring: Keeping websites accessible is a constant activity rather than a one-time event. With this tool, you can efficiently find and fix all accessibility issues while maintaining a flawless user experience. Improve your compliance with our 10-day free trial today.
These tools help identify issues, but manual testing by experts remains essential for a trustworthy ACR.
Conclusion: VPAT and ACR — The Dynamic Duo of Accessibility Compliance
If you’re serious about accessibility certification for your website, mobile application, or documents, and want to avoid legal repercussions. Investing in a manual audit plus VPAT & ACR reporting isn’t optional; it’s essential.
By making your assets inaccessible, you're closing the door on 1.3 billion people globally who spend $1.9 trillion annually.
Whether you’re selling to the federal government or just want to be a responsible citizen, get your VPAT and ACR in order. When it comes to accessibility, it’s not just about compliance, it’s about commitment.
VPAT is a template that offers a structured framework for accessibility reporting, and ACR is the expert-analyzed, evidence-based report. Having this documentation will open doors to new opportunities and create a better digital landscape for everyone.
Get your accessibility compliance certificate today to primarily minimize your risk profile and showcase your commitment to offering an inclusive experience. At Skynet Technologies, we apply best practices and ensure that your ACR is precise, comprehensive, and submission ready.
Still Waiting? Contact Us now and kickstart your compliance journey today by generating your web accessibility statement and showing your commitment towards accessibility.
