Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR): What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Create One

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If you're trying to make your product more accessible, you have probably come across terms like VPAT or Section 508. You may want to make your websites or digital products accessible but you are unsure where to begin. Well, the first step can be accessibility testing followed by generating an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). This report demonstrates the accessibility of your product for individuals with disabilities. ACR is a valuable document when selling to the government, a school or a large company.

TL;DR: An Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is a document that show show well your product, software, website or tool complies with digital accessibility standards such as WCAG, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and EN 301 549. It is created by filling out a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). You need an ACR when doing business with the government or large organizations. This document proves that your product is usable by people with disabilities.

What does an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) actually do?

An ACR is a report that explains how accessible your product or digital tool is for people with disabilities. This document is based on the VPAT which you fill out to create the report.

The ACR tells others:

• What your product does well in terms of accessibility
• Where there are gaps
• What standards it meets, like WCAG, Section 508 or EN 301 549

Click here to see an example of a VPAT provided by ADACP.

What is the purpose of an Accessibility Conformance Report?

WCAG, Section 508 and EN 301 549 are key accessibility standards. ACR builds trust among your buyers by showing that your products follow these standards and are safe from lawsuits.

Quick Comparison Table

This guide began with a lot of new terms like VPATs, ACRs, Section 508, and more. Make things easier with a simple comparison table that gives you a clearer picture before we go deeper.

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Table1: Quick comparison for VPAT with other accessibility terms

 What is a VPAT and how does it relate to an ACR?

The VPAT is a free template you fill out to show your accessibility levels. The filled out form then becomes your VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report.

There are different VPAT editions based on the standards you want to follow:

•  VPAT 2.4 - it is commonly used today
•  VPAT 2.5 - it is the updated version. Further official information can be found here.
• The VPAT has  editions for WCAG, Section 508, EN 301 549, and INT (international). ADACP offers VPATs for all these accessibility guidelines.

Below are some screenshots from VPAT ACR of one of our clients. These will help you understand what an ACR typically looks like.

What is the difference between a VPAT and an ACR?

The VPAT is a blank worksheet and the VPAT ACR is your finished homework. When you aim for accessibility you will need a blank template called the VPAT and when you fill it out completely and accurately, it becomes your ACR.

Why is a VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report important?

You sell digital tools, websites, or software and some of your clients are from the U.S. federal government, state agencies and educational institutions. These clients as well as some of your global buyers may request an ACR.

So, ACR is mandatory if you do not want to:

• Lose contracts
•  Be disqualified from bids
•  Face accessibility complaints

A VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report indicates that your product is inclusive. Leverage this tool to build trust with customers. In simple words, you stand out from competitors if your website has an accurately filled VPAT.

Is VPAT ACR required for government contracts?

Many U.S. government, enterprise procurement officers and education buyers require a VPAT ACR before purchasing a product.

What should be in a good ACR?

A proper Accessibility Conformance Report(ACR) includes:

• Product name and version: Your potential clients can identify which product the report is about.
• Evaluation methods used: This sectiondemonstrates how you have tested the product for accessibility including the use of automated tools or manual audits.
•  Accessibility standards: This tells readers which levels of WCAG guidelines like A, AA or AAA you used to measure your products.
•  Clear language about compliance level: Labels like Supports, Partially Supports, Does Not Support and Not Applicableclearly defines how well your product meets each.
• Notes for each criterion: These give details or explain any issues that better interpret your scores.

What does WCAG2.1 mean?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 focuses on improving access on mobile devices and touch screens. A VPAT ACR filled with a WCAG 2.1 level AA rating means your website is easier to read and use for everyone.

Who should fill out the VPAT ACR?

You can’t afford to get it wrong when working with strict standards like Section 508 or WCAG. Even a minor inaccuracy in the ACR can result in lost contracts or compliance issues. Therefore, get help from certified accessibility experts. Self-reporting usually also leads to a VPAT ACR being rejected.

ADACP helps organizations like yours.

• We have a large team of certified professionals to test your product for accessibility
• We have over 13 years of experience in filling out the correct VPAT version
• We can assure you with clear and accurate ACRs
• Start with a free consultation and ensure you are prepared for buyers and audits

What happens if your VPAT is inaccurate?

Inaccurate VPAT can lead to serious problems. Government agency buyers may reject your product, cancel contracts or report you for non-compliance. You could face legal risks, loss of trust, or public complaints. That is why be honest and accurate and work with accessibility experts to make sure your VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report is done right.

How to get VPAT ACR for your product?

The steps for achieving the VPAT accessibility are listed below. Follow these steps to gain trust and meet the requirements of government or enterprise buyers.

1. Choose your VPAT edition

Select the right one from the available editions such as508, WCAG, EN, or INT.

2. Test your product

Utilize both manual testing and automated tools. Relying on tools alone is risky because software testing is only 30%accurate.

3. Write clear notes

Explain how each guideline is met or not met.

4. Review it with an expert

Accessibility groups like ADACP can help you identify errors and improve clarity.

5. Publish your ACR

Upload the ACR to your website where buyer scan easily view or download it.

Conclusion

A solid Accessibility Conformance Report builds trust among your buyers and opens new business opportunities. An accurate and timely VPAT ACR also helps you avoid legal risks. If you are learning about VPAT Accessibility or wanting to build your first VPAT ACR, take it step by step.

Schedule a free consultation with ADACP to learn how we can support your VPAT accessibility goals.

FAQs

What Is VPAT 2.4?

VPAT 2.4 is the latest stable version of the VPAT template. It supports all major standards:

• WCAG 2.0/2.1
• Revised Section 508 (U.S.)
• EN 301 549 (EU standard)

What is VPAT Accessibility?

VPAT Accessibility is a general term used to describe the process of making products accessible and documenting this work using the VPAT. Your VPAT Accessibility efforts should lead to a clear, honest Accessibility Conformance Report.

What is an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)?

It is a report that shows how well your product meets accessibility rules like WCAG and Section 508.

What is VPAT ACR?

It is the final report that buyers ask to see. The report is created by filling out a VPAT.

Who needs a VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report?

Government vendors, software companies and website owners that support digital inclusion might ask you for an ACR.

Can I get certified for 508 compliance?

You cannot get a formal 508 compliance certification from the government. However, ADACP can test your products and create the VPAT documentation on your behalf.

What is the cost of a VPAT ACR?

Expert-reviewed reports can cost any where from $500 to $5,000 depending on the product size and depth.