As colleges face mounting pressure to prioritize digital accessibility, third-party vendors that sell digital products to these institutions must be prepared to demonstrate their products' conformance with accessibility standards. That means obtaining a completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT template).
For software and product providers, a completed VPAT is not just a competitive advantage, it’s a requirement for doing business in the education sector. Let's explore what completing a VPAT entails, and why documented proof of product accessibility is integral to partnering with academic institutions.
The VPAT is a template used to provide detailed information about a digital product’s accessibility. Specifically, it allows vendors to show whether their product adheres to accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and those stipulated in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
For colleges, obtaining a completed VPAT is a critical step when selecting digital tools and resources for students and staff. By understanding a product's accessibility features, educational institutions can make informed decisions to ensure all digital resources are accessible and legally compliant.
Why is obtaining a VPAT essential for vendors operating in the higher education space? Public postsecondary institutions must adhere to two key federal disability civil rights laws: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Both of these federal laws mandate that institutions ensure digital resources, including third-party products, are accessible to people with disabilities.
In fact, on May 19, 2023, the Justice Department and the Department of Education issued a joint Dear Colleague Letter, reminding postsecondary institutions, including colleges, of their obligation to make their online services, programs, and activities accessible to people with disabilities.
Amid heightened scrutiny from these key federal agencies, colleges are increasingly vetting the accessibility of third-party products prior to making a purchase and evaluating their existing relationships with vendors. To sell to higher education institutions, digital product providers need to have a completed VPAT that demonstrates they meet these buyers’ requirements.
For many digital product vendors, the journey toward accessibility starts with the VPAT, but it doesn't end there.
A completed VPAT, which is also known as an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), often serves as the gateway to broader accessibility efforts for organizations.
The process of documenting how a product aligns with accessibility standards can be a key learning opportunity for teams, equipping them with a deeper understanding of how to design and build products that work for all users.
Since ACRs require regular updates to remain credible for buyers, obtaining this documentation can mark the beginning of a continuous commitment to product accessibility.
In today’s fast-paced education technology landscape, obtaining a VPAT is essential to keeping your product competitive. Waiting too long to document your product’s accessibility can lead to missed opportunities.
Business benefits aside, a VPAT makes a strong statement about your organization’s values and priorities, demonstrating an investment in every user’s experience.
If you’re ready to get started, consider engaging an accessibility expert. An experienced professional can provide the guidance you need to successfully navigate the VPAT process, and an ACR from an objective, reputable third party will be more credible to buyers. By taking an informed approach to completing a VPAT, you’ll not only meet your buyer’s requirements, but also reinforce your organization’s commitment to inclusion.