How to Evaluate a VPAT: A Step-by-Step Guide for Procurement and Compliance Teams

What is a VPAT?

A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a standardized document that software vendors use to self-report how their product conforms to accessibility standards, primarily the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

If your organization is subject to ADA obligations, Section 508 requirements, or state-level accessibility laws, you are likely required to verify that the software you purchase meets those standards before signing a contract. The VPAT is how vendors communicate their conformance level. It is up to you to evaluate whether that conformance is sufficient.

Why VPAT Evaluation Matters

Procuring inaccessible software exposes your organization to legal liability, ADA complaints, and reputational harm. It also creates real barriers for employees and customers with disabilities who depend on those tools every day.

A strong VPAT evaluation process protects your organization and ensures you are only signing contracts with vendors who take accessibility seriously.

What to Look for in a VPAT

Not all VPATs are created equal. Many vendors submit documents that are incomplete, vague, or outdated. Here is what a rigorous evaluation looks for:

1. Completeness
A valid VPAT must address every applicable WCAG 2.1 criterion at Level A and AA. If a vendor has left criteria blank or marked them not applicable without explanation, that is a red flag.

2. Specificity of remarks
Each criterion should include a support level and a specific remark explaining why. Generic responses do not constitute conformance. Look for concrete, technical explanations.

3. Recency
A VPAT written two or three years ago may not reflect the current state of the product. Best practice is to require VPATs updated within the last 12 months.

4. Version and standard
Confirm the VPAT was completed using VPAT 2.4 or later for WCAG 2.1 coverage and the correct standard for your jurisdiction.

5. Third-party audits
Self-reported VPATs are not independently verified. A vendor that has commissioned a third-party accessibility audit carries significantly more credibility.

The Problem with Manual VPAT Review

Evaluating a single VPAT manually takes an experienced reviewer anywhere from one to several hours. Across a portfolio of vendors, that time adds up fast, and the results are rarely consistent.

Manual review also makes it difficult to compare vendors side by side, track changes over time, or produce defensible documentation for audits and legal review.

The Fastest and Most Accurate Way to Evaluate a VPAT

Inclusive Digital VPAT Evaluator is the only AI-powered platform purpose-built to automate VPAT scoring. Upload a vendor VPAT and within seconds you receive a structured accessibility risk score, identification of vague or missing responses, and an audit-ready report your compliance team can act on immediately.

There is no other product on the market that does this. If you are responsible for vendor accessibility compliance, this is the tool that replaces the spreadsheet.