What is VPAT Assessment and Why Should You Care

Imagine entering a library, eager to explore a world of knowledge, only to discover books in an incomprehensible language. Frustrating, right? That’s how individuals with disabilities feel when encountering inaccessible software. A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) assessment acts as a translator, decoding how well software aligns with accessibility standards. Just as the joy of reading should be available to all, regardless of language, software should be universally accessible, opening digital opportunities for everyone. In this document, we’ll explore what a VPAT assessment is, how it works, and why it’s crucial for organizations.

Understanding VPAT Assessment

VPAT is a document that outlines the accessibility features of a software product or service. It was created by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) and the General Services Administration (GSA) to promote accessibility in technology. The VPAT assessment uses a standard questionnaire format to evaluate compliance with global accessibility standards, such as Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Creating a VPAT involves documenting a product’s conformance with the accessibility standards. Knowing how to create a VPAT is essential for software developers, designers, and organizations looking to ensure their products are accessible to everyone. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a VPAT assessment:

• Determine the standards your product should conform to As mentioned earlier, there are two main sets of accessibility standards – Section 508 and WCAG 2.0/2.1. Depending on who your target audience is, you can choose to conform to one or both of these standards.
• Understand each criterion: Both Section 508 and WCAG have specific criteria that a product must meet to be considered accessible. It’s essential to understand the requirements of each criterion before conducting an assessment.
• Evaluate your product against the criteria: This involves testing your product’s features and functionalities to determine if they meet the accessibility standards. It’s helpful to include individuals with disabilities in this evaluation process.
• Document your findings: Once you’ve completed the assessment, document your results, including any areas where your product does not meet the accessibility criteria.
• Create a VPAT template: Use an established VPAT template to present your assessment findings. This will make it easier for organizations to understand your product’s accessibility status.
• Provide a summary: In addition to the detailed assessment, summarize your product’s accessibility status and any recommended solutions for inaccessible areas.
• Publish and update regularly: Make your VPAT publicly available on your website or other channels. It’s also essential to update your VPAT regularly as new versions of the accessibility standards are released.

Why Should You Care?

Legal Compliance

Complying with accessibility standards is not only a matter of inclusivity but also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. Failure to adhere to these standards can result in hefty penalties or even litigation, detrimental to an organization’s reputation and financial standing. Furthermore, ensuring legal compliance demonstrates a company’s commitment to ethical practices and social responsibility. Hence, undertaking a VPAT assessment and aligning products to accessibility standards is a proactive step towards legal compliance and corporate integrity.

Ethical Responsibility

Organizations have an ethical responsibility to ensure their products are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This promotes inclusivity and equal opportunity in the digital world. By implementing accessibility standards through a VPAT assessment, companies uphold their ethical duty and foster empathy and understanding. Striving for digital accessibility is not just a legal obligation but also a cornerstone of corporate social responsibility.

Potential Market Reach

Expanding accessibility via VPAT assessments can substantially increase an organization’s potential market reach. It opens up products to a wider audience, including the millions of individuals worldwide with varying types of disabilities. Furthermore, by addressing accessibility issues, organizations can improve usability for all users, thereby enhancing user experience and overall satisfaction. This could result in higher product adoption rates, providing a competitive advantage and ultimately driving business growth.

Improved User Experience

Improved user experience is another compelling reason to care about VPAT assessment. By enabling better web accessibility, organizations can create a more user-friendly digital environment, improving user satisfaction and retention. Accessibility features, such as text-to-speech functionality or alternative text for images, not only benefit users with disabilities but also enhance overall usability. Therefore, a commitment to accessibility is a commitment to superior user experience.

Positive Brand Image

In today’s digital age, a company’s brand image is crucial for success. By prioritizing accessibility through VPAT assessments, organizations can showcase their commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. This positive branding can attract new customers and improve loyalty among existing ones. It also presents an organization as forward-thinking and socially responsible, valuable qualities in the eyes of consumers.

VPAT assessment is vital for promoting digital inclusivity and ensuring legal compliance. Understanding what a VPAT assessment is, how it works, and why it matters enables organizations to make their products and services accessible to all. Let’s create a more inclusive digital world together. So, when you come across a product with a VPAT assessment, know it’s a step towards digital equality.