VPAT 2.5 Released: What It Means for Accessibility Reporting in 2025
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In April 2025, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) released the latest update to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®), Version 2.5. This revision introduces significant enhancements aimed at improving accessibility reporting for digital products and services. The updated VPAT 2.5 is now available for download on the ITI website.
Key Enhancements in VPAT 2.5
The VPAT 2.5 introduces several notable changes:
• Updated Standards Mapping: The template now includes mappings to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the European Union's EN 301 549 standard.
• Improved Reporting Structure: The revised format offers clearer instructions and a more streamlined layout. This has made completion and review easier.
• Enhanced Notes Section: There is a dedicated space for detailed explanations. Organizations utilize it to provide context for their VPAT ACR statements.
Adoption Across Sectors
Various organizations have already adopted the VPAT 2.5 for their accessibility conformance reporting:
• Login.gov: The U.S. government's Login.gov service has updated its Accessibility Conformance Report to align with the VPAT 2.5 508 Edition. This ensures compliance with federal accessibility requirements.
• Consumer Reports: The nonprofit organization Consumer Reports has released an updated Accessibility Conformance Report for its website. It is based on the VPAT 2.5 WCAG Edition.
• CALI (Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction): CALI has published an Accessibility Conformance Report for its digital educational resources, based on the VPAT 2.5 International Edition. This report demonstrates their commitment to accessibility across various standards like WCAG 2.2, Section 508 and EN 301 549.
Implications for Procurement and Accessibility Reporting
The release of the new VPAT template has changed how agencies approach accessibility reporting and compliance.
Agencies, universities, and other public institutions now rely on VPAT 2.5-based Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) to evaluate vendor solutions.
For example, San Francisco State University requires vendors to submit VPAT 2.5 508 Edition reports to demonstrate Section 508 compliance. Clear, standardized VPAT 2.5 documentation helps agencies compare products objectively.
Additionally, the inclusion of EN 301 549 in VPAT 2.5 supports alignment with European accessibility regulations. It will expand compliance reach for organizations operating internationally.
In short, VPAT 2.5 becomes a tool for structured, transparent accessibility reporting that directly informs procurement decisions.
Visual Overview: VPAT 2.5 Editions Comparison
To assist organizations in selecting the appropriate VPAT edition, the following table provides a comparison of the different versions:
Practical Tips for Using VPAT 2.5 in 2025
1. Avoid copying generic statements. Use accessibility testing tools and real-world testing to back up your claims. Schedule a free VPAT consultation with ADACP for guidance.
2. Make sure your VPAT reflects compliance with WCAG 2.2, Section 508 and EN 301 549. Guidance is available at Section508.gov. Or, you can read this detailed guide here on how to write a VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report.
3. Include VPATs early in procurement and review cycles to avoid last-minute compliance issues. See GSA Accessibility & Procurement for best practices.
Conclusion
The release of VPAT 2.5 marks a significant step forward in accessibility reporting. Organizations with updated tools can now demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity. Follow the latest VPAT version to ensure compliance with current standards. Schedule a free VPAT consultation with us to enhance your accessibility reporting.
In April 2025, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) released the latest update to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®), Version 2.5. This revision introduces significant enhancements aimed at improving accessibility reporting for digital products and services. The updated VPAT 2.5 is now available for download on the ITI website.
Key Enhancements in VPAT 2.5
The VPAT 2.5 introduces several notable changes:
• Updated Standards Mapping: The template now includes mappings to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the European Union's EN 301 549 standard.
• Improved Reporting Structure: The revised format offers clearer instructions and a more streamlined layout. This has made completion and review easier.
• Enhanced Notes Section: There is a dedicated space for detailed explanations. Organizations utilize it to provide context for their VPAT ACR statements.
Adoption Across Sectors
Various organizations have already adopted the VPAT 2.5 for their accessibility conformance reporting:
• Login.gov: The U.S. government's Login.gov service has updated its Accessibility Conformance Report to align with the VPAT 2.5 508 Edition. This ensures compliance with federal accessibility requirements.
• Consumer Reports: The nonprofit organization Consumer Reports has released an updated Accessibility Conformance Report for its website. It is based on the VPAT 2.5 WCAG Edition.
• CALI (Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction): CALI has published an Accessibility Conformance Report for its digital educational resources, based on the VPAT 2.5 International Edition. This report demonstrates their commitment to accessibility across various standards like WCAG 2.2, Section 508 and EN 301 549.
Implications for Procurement and Accessibility Reporting
The release of the new VPAT template has changed how agencies approach accessibility reporting and compliance.
Agencies, universities, and other public institutions now rely on VPAT 2.5-based Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) to evaluate vendor solutions.
For example, San Francisco State University requires vendors to submit VPAT 2.5 508 Edition reports to demonstrate Section 508 compliance. Clear, standardized VPAT 2.5 documentation helps agencies compare products objectively.
Additionally, the inclusion of EN 301 549 in VPAT 2.5 supports alignment with European accessibility regulations. It will expand compliance reach for organizations operating internationally.
In short, VPAT 2.5 becomes a tool for structured, transparent accessibility reporting that directly informs procurement decisions.
Visual Overview: VPAT 2.5 Editions Comparison
To assist organizations in selecting the appropriate VPAT edition, the following table provides a comparison of the different versions:
Practical Tips for Using VPAT 2.5 in 2025
1. Avoid copying generic statements. Use accessibility testing tools and real-world testing to back up your claims. Schedule a free VPAT consultation with ADACP for guidance.
2. Make sure your VPAT reflects compliance with WCAG 2.2, Section 508 and EN 301 549. Guidance is available at Section508.gov. Or, you can read this detailed guide here on how to write a VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report.
3. Include VPATs early in procurement and review cycles to avoid last-minute compliance issues. See GSA Accessibility & Procurement for best practices.
Conclusion
The release of VPAT 2.5 marks a significant step forward in accessibility reporting. Organizations with updated tools can now demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity. Follow the latest VPAT version to ensure compliance with current standards. Schedule a free VPAT consultation with us to enhance your accessibility reporting.
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