VPAT

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template

A document that helps federal agencies and other organizations assess the accessibility of information and communication technology (ICT) products and services, such as software applications, web applications, and electronic devices. The VPAT was created by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) in partnership with the US General Services Administration (GSA) and other stakeholders.

The VPAT provides a standardized format for vendors to describe how their products and services meet accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 or Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The document includes information on the product’s features, functionality, and support for accessibility, as well as any known limitations or barriers.

VPATs are often used by procurement officials to evaluate and compare the accessibility of different products and services before making purchasing decisions. Developers and designers can also use them to identify accessibility gaps in their products and work towards addressing them.

• Abbreviation: VPAT