Do You Need Accessibility Consultants to Create a Compliant VPAT in 2025?
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Can’t decide if you really need an accessibility consultant to write your VPAT report? The truth is, you are already behind the curve.
Software vendors, SaaS platforms, and even small tech startups across the US are hiring accessibility experts for compliance audits and for writing credible Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs). Why? Because federal and enterprise buyers won’t even shortlist vendors without a compliant VPAT anymore.
Accessibility is a procurement requirement in 2025. You need a verified, defensible VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) if you are bidding for government contracts or selling digital tools to public organizations. Your VPAT ACR is proof that your product meets Section 508 and WCAG standards.
However, there is more: companies that self-author VPATs without accessibility knowledge are often flagged or rejected in RFP reviews.
TL;DR: A compliant VPAT in 2025 isn’t optional — it’s your ticket to government and enterprise contracts. Accessibility consultants bring the expertise, credibility, and technical depth that procurement reviewers look for. A self-written VPAT may save money upfront but can hurt your chances in high-value deals later.
Get a free VPAT consultation with ADACP to ensure your report meets Section 508, WCAG 2.2, and EN 301 549 standards.
What is a VPAT and why is it important for US organizations?
A VPAT is a standardized document created by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). It is used to describe the accessibility of your digital product against international accessibility standards.
A filled out VPAT template becomes your ACR. It is the report that procurement officers read to judge if people with disabilities can use your product.
Check out our detailed guide to explore a complete VPAT template and how to fill it correctly.
Why are so many organizations turning to accessibility consultants?
VPATs are technical, legal, and specialized. Filling one out correctly requires professionals.
You may not fill out a VPAT correctly without:
• Deep knowledge of WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 guidelines
• Understanding of Section 508 and EN 301 549 standards
• The ability to test with screen readers, keyboard and voice input
• Clear documentation of what partially works and what fully works
Accessibility consultants specialize in these areas. They can efficiently identify accessibility issues and also translate them into reviewer-friendly language.
Q: Why do most self-authored VPATs fail?
A: Most self-authored VPATs fail because the authors often don’t know how detailed or evidence-based responses the procurement teams expect.
Common VPAT Mistakes vs. Consultant Fixes
Related Reading: Learn more about VPAT compliance testing and how professionals protect your product in procurement.
What happens if you write your own VPAT without expertise?
Many companies assume they can fill out the VPAT internally because it’s a template.
But this can backfire in several ways:
• Procurement reviewers spot vague answers.
Words like “Supports” or “Partially Supports” without test notes raise red flags.
• You risk legal exposure.
If your VPAT overstates conformance and someone files an accessibility complaint, your report becomes part of the evidence trail.
• You lose credibility in bids.
Many agencies now prefer VPATs verified by third-party consultants or hybrid teams.
Image1: Snapshot of the Department of Labor Acquisition Regulation RFP clause mentioning “Section 508 VPAT required”
Source:https://www.acquisition.gov/dolar/2952.239-70-section-508-requirements
What happens if I submit a non-compliant or outdated VPAT?
It can hurt your procurement chances and even expose your company to legal complaints. Always update your VPAT when you release a new product version.
How do Accessibility Consultants help?
Accessibility consultants bring both technical depth and procurement-level understanding.
This is what ADACP VPAT consultants typically do for clients:
• Accessibility Audit: We check your product against WCAG 2.2 to find barriers and code issues.
• Draft VPAT/ACR: We prepare clear and accurate documentation of accessibility.
• Validation: We check each entry to reduce the risk of overclaims.
• Procurement Readiness: We finalize the VPAT so it meets Section 508 or EN 301 549 requirements.
We also explain how your product was tested on different browsers, operating systems, and assistive tools. All of it makes your VPAT far more credible to reviewers.
Can I fill out a VPAT myself?
Technically anyone can fill out a VPAT but self-authored VPATs often fail reviews because they lack test evidence and accurate conformance language. Always have an expert verify it.
Related Reading: Learn practical tips to speed up RFP Approvals through expert-led VPAT reviews. [The Complete Checklist for Reviewing Your VPAT Report in 2025]
When should you hire a consultant and when can you do it yourself?
The requirement of an external consultant depends on your internal capability.
Use this quick decision table:
Many organizations use a hybrid model for VPAT ACR. Their internal teams draft the VPAT and consultants review or certify it before submission.
What should you look for in a VPAT consultant?
A VPAT consultant should understand accessibility and know the rules like Section 508, WCAG and EN 301 549. They should be able to test your product, create an accurate VPAT and get it ready for submission. It is also important that they train your team to keep your product accessible.
What is the cost of getting the VPAT assessment wrong?
Writing a VPAT yourself might save you a few hundred dollars, but it can cost you thousands in lost contracts.
A poorly written VPAT can delay or disqualify your bids. A wrong VPAT creates compliance risk if challenged. Moreover, it hurts your brand’s reputation.
Accessibility is now part of the buyer’s due diligence process. Consultants act as your risk insurance. So, choose professional help and ensure your VPAT holds up under legal or contractual scrutiny.
How much does it cost to get a VPAT written by consultants?
Prices vary but professional VPAT 2.5 reports usually range from $1,000–$5,000 depending on features and standards.
Key Takeaways
• VPATs are no longer optional in 2025.
• Accurate VPAT ACRs are procurement prerequisites.
• Accessibility consultants bring technical depth and audit credibility.
• A consultant-verified VPAT protects you from compliance risks.
• Hybrid models (in-house + consultant) give the best balance of speed and accuracy.
• Free consultations can help you understand where your current VPAT stands.
Conclusion
Accessibility compliance proves that your digital product is usable for everyone.
Procurement teams are more vigilant than ever.
If you are still confused about bringing in an accessibility consultant, then you are behind your competitors who already have.
Book a free consultation with ADACP and get your VPAT 2.5 today. With over a decade of digital accessibility expertise, we offer VPAT compliance testing to ensure your product is credible and procurement-ready.
Can’t decide if you really need an accessibility consultant to write your VPAT report? The truth is, you are already behind the curve.
Software vendors, SaaS platforms, and even small tech startups across the US are hiring accessibility experts for compliance audits and for writing credible Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs). Why? Because federal and enterprise buyers won’t even shortlist vendors without a compliant VPAT anymore.
Accessibility is a procurement requirement in 2025. You need a verified, defensible VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) if you are bidding for government contracts or selling digital tools to public organizations. Your VPAT ACR is proof that your product meets Section 508 and WCAG standards.
However, there is more: companies that self-author VPATs without accessibility knowledge are often flagged or rejected in RFP reviews.
TL;DR: A compliant VPAT in 2025 isn’t optional — it’s your ticket to government and enterprise contracts. Accessibility consultants bring the expertise, credibility, and technical depth that procurement reviewers look for. A self-written VPAT may save money upfront but can hurt your chances in high-value deals later.
Get a free VPAT consultation with ADACP to ensure your report meets Section 508, WCAG 2.2, and EN 301 549 standards.
What is a VPAT and why is it important for US organizations?
A VPAT is a standardized document created by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). It is used to describe the accessibility of your digital product against international accessibility standards.
A filled out VPAT template becomes your ACR. It is the report that procurement officers read to judge if people with disabilities can use your product.
Check out our detailed guide to explore a complete VPAT template and how to fill it correctly.
Why are so many organizations turning to accessibility consultants?
VPATs are technical, legal, and specialized. Filling one out correctly requires professionals.
You may not fill out a VPAT correctly without:
• Deep knowledge of WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 guidelines
• Understanding of Section 508 and EN 301 549 standards
• The ability to test with screen readers, keyboard and voice input
• Clear documentation of what partially works and what fully works
Accessibility consultants specialize in these areas. They can efficiently identify accessibility issues and also translate them into reviewer-friendly language.
Q: Why do most self-authored VPATs fail?
A: Most self-authored VPATs fail because the authors often don’t know how detailed or evidence-based responses the procurement teams expect.
Common VPAT Mistakes vs. Consultant Fixes
Related Reading: Learn more about VPAT compliance testing and how professionals protect your product in procurement.
What happens if you write your own VPAT without expertise?
Many companies assume they can fill out the VPAT internally because it’s a template.
But this can backfire in several ways:
• Procurement reviewers spot vague answers.
Words like “Supports” or “Partially Supports” without test notes raise red flags.
• You risk legal exposure.
If your VPAT overstates conformance and someone files an accessibility complaint, your report becomes part of the evidence trail.
• You lose credibility in bids.
Many agencies now prefer VPATs verified by third-party consultants or hybrid teams.
Image1: Snapshot of the Department of Labor Acquisition Regulation RFP clause mentioning “Section 508 VPAT required”
Source:https://www.acquisition.gov/dolar/2952.239-70-section-508-requirements
What happens if I submit a non-compliant or outdated VPAT?
It can hurt your procurement chances and even expose your company to legal complaints. Always update your VPAT when you release a new product version.
How do Accessibility Consultants help?
Accessibility consultants bring both technical depth and procurement-level understanding.
This is what ADACP VPAT consultants typically do for clients:
• Accessibility Audit: We check your product against WCAG 2.2 to find barriers and code issues.
• Draft VPAT/ACR: We prepare clear and accurate documentation of accessibility.
• Validation: We check each entry to reduce the risk of overclaims.
• Procurement Readiness: We finalize the VPAT so it meets Section 508 or EN 301 549 requirements.
We also explain how your product was tested on different browsers, operating systems, and assistive tools. All of it makes your VPAT far more credible to reviewers.
Can I fill out a VPAT myself?
Technically anyone can fill out a VPAT but self-authored VPATs often fail reviews because they lack test evidence and accurate conformance language. Always have an expert verify it.
Related Reading: Learn practical tips to speed up RFP Approvals through expert-led VPAT reviews. [The Complete Checklist for Reviewing Your VPAT Report in 2025]
When should you hire a consultant and when can you do it yourself?
The requirement of an external consultant depends on your internal capability.
Use this quick decision table:
Many organizations use a hybrid model for VPAT ACR. Their internal teams draft the VPAT and consultants review or certify it before submission.
What should you look for in a VPAT consultant?
A VPAT consultant should understand accessibility and know the rules like Section 508, WCAG and EN 301 549. They should be able to test your product, create an accurate VPAT and get it ready for submission. It is also important that they train your team to keep your product accessible.
What is the cost of getting the VPAT assessment wrong?
Writing a VPAT yourself might save you a few hundred dollars, but it can cost you thousands in lost contracts.
A poorly written VPAT can delay or disqualify your bids. A wrong VPAT creates compliance risk if challenged. Moreover, it hurts your brand’s reputation.
Accessibility is now part of the buyer’s due diligence process. Consultants act as your risk insurance. So, choose professional help and ensure your VPAT holds up under legal or contractual scrutiny.
How much does it cost to get a VPAT written by consultants?
Prices vary but professional VPAT 2.5 reports usually range from $1,000–$5,000 depending on features and standards.
Key Takeaways
• VPATs are no longer optional in 2025.
• Accurate VPAT ACRs are procurement prerequisites.
• Accessibility consultants bring technical depth and audit credibility.
• A consultant-verified VPAT protects you from compliance risks.
• Hybrid models (in-house + consultant) give the best balance of speed and accuracy.
• Free consultations can help you understand where your current VPAT stands.
Conclusion
Accessibility compliance proves that your digital product is usable for everyone.
Procurement teams are more vigilant than ever.
If you are still confused about bringing in an accessibility consultant, then you are behind your competitors who already have.
Book a free consultation with ADACP and get your VPAT 2.5 today. With over a decade of digital accessibility expertise, we offer VPAT compliance testing to ensure your product is credible and procurement-ready.
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