If your buyers include U.S. federal agencies, state governments, higher education institutions, or enterprises then it is critical to correctly fill out a VPAT 2.5 Section 508 Edition. These entities are very strict about VPAT compliance and latest accessibility standards. A poorly filled VPAT can delay procurement and even disqualify your product no matter how good it actually is.
This guide explains to complete your 508 VPAT step by step and what are the common mistakes to avoid, so that the RFP process won’t get delayed.
What Is a VPAT 2.5 Section 508 Edition?
VPAT is a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. 2.5 is the latest version for this template. Section 508 Edition is one variant of the categories available for this reporting document.
Q: What does Section 508 Edition mean in a VPAT?
A: The Section 508 Edition of a VPAT focuses specifically on U.S. federal accessibility requirements under Section 508. This edition is used when buyers only require Section 508 compliance and not global accessibility reporting.
Who Should Complete the VPAT Accessibility Report?
Your VPAT or Section 508 Certification is completed by people who actually understand the product and accessibility testing. You can hire accessibility specialists who have knowledge of VPAT or Section 508 audits.
Remember, your sales or marketing teams should never complete a VPAT alone. They lack in-depth knowledge about VPAT compliance and may fill out an incorrect or incomplete report.
Q: Why determine the product scope in a VPAT before testing?
A: A clear scope prevents misunderstandings during procurement and protects vendors from being evaluated on features that were never tested or included.
Procurement teams can immediately catch reporting errors just by looking at the vague scope in a VPAT.
Step 1: Understand the Section 508 Criteria
Section 508 requirements in VPAT 2.5 are mapped to functional areas such as:
- Software applications
- Web content
- Authoring tools
- Support documentation
You must understand what each requirement means. Do not just copy-paste responses. Take time to understand and review the criteria before marking compliance.
Step 2: Perform VPAT Accessibility Testing
Never fill a VPAT based on assumptions. Proper testing should include:
- Automated testing done with a Section 508 Compliance Checker
- Manual testing done by accessibility specialists
Q: Can I use automated tools for VPAT testing?
A: A Section 508 compliance checker tool may identify some issues but not all. Manual testing is required to accurately report Section 508 compliance in a VPAT.
Procurement teams often ask which tools and methods were used. So be prepared to answer.
Step 3: Use Correct Conformance Levels
Each requirement in the VPAT table must be marked accurately using standard responses such as:
- Supports
- Partially Supports
- Does Not Support
- Not Applicable
Tip: Never mark “Supports” unless the requirement is fully met.
Q: Is Partially Supports a bad answer in a VPAT?
A: No. Honest Partially Supports responses with clear explanations are preferred over inaccurate Supports claims.
Do not aim for 100% compliance. It is hard to achieve. Rather you can focus on building transparency, so that there will be no follow-up audits.
Step 4: Write Evidence-Based Remarks
The procurement team reads the Remarks and Explanations column with a fine toothed comb. So make sure the remarks are honest and backed with evidence. It should tell what works and what does not and what are the limitations.
Q: What makes VPAT remarks credible?
A: Remarks that reference actual behavior, user experience, and testing results and not generic compliance statements.
Step 5: Reference Testing Tools and Environments
A strong VPAT mentions which screen readers used and which browsers and OS used to test the product. There should be a clear list of automated tools used along with date or timeframe of testing.
This improves confidence for government and enterprise buyers reviewing your VPAT.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use the VPAT like a marketing document. Your VPAT may not achieve the Section 508 Certification if every section marks with a ‘Supports’ remark. It clearly means you’re your VPAT is incorrect and that you have skipped manual testing.
Do not leave remarks vague or empty. Always involve accessibility experts for accurate VPAT ACR completion.
Final Thoughts
Your VPAT 2.5 Section 508 Edition report can be correct if you focus on transparency and evidence rather than perfection. Buyers understand that no product is 100% accessible but they expect honesty and clarity.
If you also want to speed up procurement and need a Section 508 Certification for your VPAT then consult with the experts. The VPAT compliance experts at ADACP can help you in filling out the latest and accurate ACR.