A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a document that provides information about how accessible a product is for people with disabilities. It outlines whether the product (like software, websites, or electronic devices) meets certain accessibility standards, such as Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act in the United States, which requires technology to be accessible to people with disabilities.
The VPAT helps organizations assess if a product can be used by everyone, including those with visual, hearing, cognitive, or physical impairments. It’s especially important for government agencies and businesses that need to comply with accessibility laws when purchasing products.
In summary, a VPAT is like a report card that shows how well a product supports accessibility features and where it might need improvements.
"Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to ensure that their information and communication technology (ICT) is accessible to people with disabilities, unless certain exceptions apply. Specifically, Section 508 requires federal agencies to ensure that ICT they develop, procure, maintain, or use allows employees with disabilities and individuals with disabilities who are members of the public to have access to and use of information and data. This access should be comparable to that available to employees and members of the public without disabilities." (Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice)
Find more information here:
