ACR vs VPAT: The Main Differences

When it comes to meeting web accessibility requirements, understanding the tools and frameworks available is a must. 

Two of the most important resources for evaluating and reporting accessibility compliance are the Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) and the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). 

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes and cater to different audiences. Let’s explore the main differences now.

What Is an ACR?

The Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is a document that provides a detailed assessment of how well a digital product, such as a website, application, or software, meets web accessibility standards. It is typically based on the results of an audit against guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or other relevant standards.

An ACR is often created by using the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) as a starting point. The VPAT outlines the specific criteria and standards that need to be met, and the ACR expands on this by offering a comprehensive analysis of the product’s compliance status. 

This includes information on which accessibility criteria are fully supported, partially supported, or not supported at all, along with any potential workarounds or fixes.

The purpose of the ACR is to provide transparency regarding the accessibility of a product, enabling organizations to understand the level of accessibility compliance and to identify areas that may need improvement. It is an essential tool for vendors who need to demonstrate their commitment to accessibility and for buyers who need to assess whether a product meets their accessibility requirements.

What Is a VPAT?

The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a standardized document used by vendors to describe how their products or services conform to established accessibility standards. Originally developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) in partnership with the U.S. government, the VPAT is primarily used to evaluate the accessibility of digital products, such as software, websites, mobile applications, and electronic devices.

The VPAT serves as a checklist, detailing a product’s compliance with specific criteria outlined in accessibility standards like Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act in the U.S., the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and the European Union’s EN 301 549. It is structured to cover different aspects of accessibility, such as perceivability, operability, and compatibility with assistive technologies.

The template is divided into several sections, each corresponding to different aspects of accessibility. Vendors fill out the template by indicating whether their product supports each criterion fully, partially, or not at all. They also provide additional comments or explanations as needed.

The main purpose of the VPAT is to provide a clear and concise overview of a product’s accessibility features, helping potential buyers, particularly government agencies and large organizations, to assess whether the product meets their accessibility requirements.

The Difference Between a VPAT and ACR

The key differences between a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) and an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) lie in their purpose, scope, and the level of detail they provide. Here are the main distinctions:

Purpose

• VPAT: The primary purpose of the VPAT is to provide a standardized template for vendors to document and report the accessibility features and compliance of their products or services. It serves as a high-level overview that helps buyers quickly assess whether a product meets specific accessibility standards.
• ACR: The ACR, on the other hand, is a more detailed and comprehensive document that builds on the information provided in the VPAT. It is designed to offer a thorough assessment of a product’s accessibility, including specific details about which criteria are met, partially met, or not met, along with explanations and potential remedies.

Level of Detail

• VPAT: The VPAT is often more general and succinct. It focuses on providing a straightforward declaration of whether each accessibility criterion is supported, partially supported, or not supported, with brief comments.
• ACR: The ACR goes into greater depth, offering detailed explanations, analysis, and often including the results of accessibility testing. It may also provide recommendations for improvements, workarounds, or future updates needed to achieve full compliance.

Audience

• VPAT: The VPAT is typically used by vendors and suppliers to communicate accessibility information to potential buyers, particularly in the procurement process. It is often used by government agencies and large organizations to make informed purchasing decisions.
• ACR: The ACR is intended for a broader audience, including developers, compliance officers, and accessibility professionals who need a detailed understanding of a product’s accessibility status. It’s also useful for internal teams looking to improve accessibility features.

Creation and Usage

• VPAT: The VPAT is usually created by the product’s vendor or developer and is a self-reported document. It follows a structured format with predefined sections that correspond to specific accessibility standards.
• ACR: The ACR is often created as a follow-up to a VPAT, sometimes by an independent third-party assessor, to validate the claims made in the VPAT. It may include results from actual accessibility testing and provides a more detailed narrative.

Flexibility

• VPAT: The VPAT follows a fixed format, which ensures consistency across different products and vendors but can sometimes limit the amount of detail provided.
• ACR: The ACR is more flexible in its format, allowing for a more tailored and detailed presentation of accessibility information, including narrative descriptions, screenshots, and test results.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the differences between an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) and a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) can help businesses make informed decisions about digital accessibility. While the VPAT provides a high-level overview of accessibility compliance, the ACR offers a more in-depth analysis. Both are essential tools in ensuring your products meet accessibility standards.

If you need a VPAT report or assistance with your accessibility compliance, contact AccessibilityChecker. Our experts are here to help you navigate the complexities of digital accessibility and ensure your products are accessible to all users.