VPATs

The ITI Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a free template that translates accessibility requirements and standards (e.g. in Section 508 and other legal frameworks) into actionable testing criteria for products and services. Users should test their products and services against each section of the VPAT and use the template to document results. Once completed, the VPAT with documented testing results is referred to as an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) that details the accessible features of the tested product or service.

The VPAT is offered free of charge. Membership in ITI is not required to use the VPAT. Please note, however, that the VPAT name and report form are ITI registered service marks, and should not be altered without the express written permission of ITI. There are different versions based on the leading accessibility standards: Section 508 (U.S.), EN 301 549 (EU), and W3C/WAI WCAG, which are available at the link below.

They are not a legal requirement and are voluntary, however, you could be asked to produce them by libraries, especially in the US. Sometimes, requesting libraries will accept the public accessibility statement instead of a VPAT. Using them would enable librarians to assess the accessibility of publisher content in a standardised format, in comparison with other publishers who use the same template.

The VPAT describes the publishers entire catalogue, but you might like to create separate VPATs for the publisher content and the website, or any other division that makes sense. We recommend completing the international VPAT template which will cover all areas of the world. You would produce the VPAT on request from libraries, but you could also decide to publish your VPAT online.

Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates

ITI’s VPAT Training Modules and Additional Resources

VPAT® 101: Introduction to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (YouTube)