What Is a VPAT and Why Do SaaS Companies Need One? | Trueaccessibility

May 20, 2026

What Is a VPAT and Why Do SaaS Companies Need One? | Trueaccessibility

Introduction: What Is a VPAT and Why Do SaaS Companies Need One? 

Since accessibility for digital devices is becoming increasingly essential across different sectors, SaaS companies are under more pressure to make sure they are accessible to all users, even those handicapped. Government agencies, businesses as well as educational institutions and corporate customers are now demanding their software to be accessible specifications prior to making purchase decisions.

One document that plays a significant role in the evaluation of accessibility can be the VPAT.

A lot of SaaS businesses hear "VPAT" during enterprise sales discussions or accessibility audits however, they might not be aware of what it is or the reason why it's important.

A VPAT can help organizations to communicate the accessibility of their software as well as whether or not it complies with the accepted accessibility standards. For SaaS companies possessing a VPAT could increase confidence, aid in compliance as well as help make the procurement procedures much more smooth.

What Is a VPAT?

VPAT is a shorthand for voluntary Product Accessibility Template.

It's a form that is used to assess whether the accessibility of a digital item is met. guidelines, such as

  • WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
  • Section 508
  • EN 301 549

A VPAT aids organizations to explain the accessibility options and restrictions of their website, software or other digital platforms.

The documents are typically created following an accessibility review or audit. It is usually required during evaluations of vendors.

What Is an ACR?

When you have completed the VPAT The final report on accessibility is usually identified as the Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).

The ACR includes:

  • Accessibility results
  • Compliance details
  • Notes on supported features
  • Limitations on accessibility
  • Test results

In simple terms:

  • VPAT is the standard
  • ACR is a completed report

A lot of people use"VPAT" as a term "VPAT" when referring to the final version of the document.

Why VPATs Matter for SaaS Companies

Accessibility is becoming an essential prerequisite for purchasing software particularly for the corporate as well as government.

Organisations would like to know if SaaS platforms are accessible prior to taking them on internally.

A VPAT helps SaaS companies:

  • Show commitment to accessibility
  • Enhance customer confidence
  • Procurement support requirements
  • Review accessibility more easily
  • Reduce sales barriers

In the absence of accessibility-related documentation, businesses could lose out on opportunities with companies who require evaluation of accessibility during the purchase decision.

VPATs and Enterprise Procurement

Many large organizations evaluate the accessibility of software before buying it.

This is most common in:

  • Government agencies
  • Universities
  • Healthcare institutions
  • Financial institutions
  • Enterprise businesses

The procurement teams can request an VPAT to be able to comprehend:

  • The software can be used to support screen readers.
  • When keyboard navigation is working in a proper manner, you are done.
  • If form elements and interactive elements are available
  • What is the way in which the product is aligned to WCAG standards?

An absence of a VPAT could slow things down, or block approvals for procurement.

Accessibility Standards Covered in VPATs

They are typically utilized to assess the compliance of accessibility standards to different levels.

WCAG

WCAG is among the most well-known accessibility standards for websites.

Its focus is on making digital experiences

  • Perceivable
  • Operable
  • Understandable
  • Robust

The majority of SaaS accessibility tests are based on WCAG, the criteria for success.

Section 508

Section 508 is an U.S. accessibility requirement for Federal agencies as well as procurement for the government.

Software providers who work with government agencies frequently require Section 508 accessibility guidelines.

EN 301 549

The accessibility standard is widely employed across Europe and is applicable to ICT services and products.

International SaaS businesses may be faced with this issue during the international acquisition process.

What Information Does a VPAT Include?

The most common VPATs are:

  • Product details
  • Details for accessibility testing
  • Accessibility features that are supported
  • Support areas that are partial
  • Accessibility restrictions
  • Status of compliance on each of the one of the criterion

Each accessibility rule is reviewed and highlighted with statuses such as:

  • Supports
  • Partially Supports
  • Does Not Support
  • Not Applicable

Further notes provide information on accessibility and the limitations that are known to exist.

How SaaS Companies Create a VPAT

The process of creating a VPAT typically requires accessibility testing as well as a thorough analysis of the product.

Accessibility Audit

The first thing to do is perform an accessibility test.

This could be:

  • Automated accessibility test
  • Tests for accessibility using a manual
  • Screen reader evaluation
  • Testing navigation on the keyboard
  • Mobile accessibility Review

It is the goal to determine obstacles to accessibility and usability.

Reviewing WCAG Criteria

Accessibility specialists evaluate the accessibility of the product against WCAG standards for success and then detail how each requirement is covered.

Documenting Accessibility Features

The VPAT provides the following explanation:

  • What accessibility options are available?
  • Which regions are in compliance
  • What limitations are there?
  • Plans for improvements, if any

Transparency is essential in the process.

Why Accessibility Testing Is Important Before Creating a VPAT

A VPAT is not to be done without accessibility testing.

Untested:

  • Accessibility claims can be misleading.
  • Some important aspects could be overlooked
  • Customers of enterprises may not be able to trust them.

Complete accessibility testing can produce more accurate and useful documents.

Benefits of Having a VPAT for SaaS Companies

The VPAT has a variety of business and accessibility benefits.

Builds Customer Trust

The accessibility documentation proves how a business takes inclusion seriously.

The customers are often more comfortable dealing with companies that value accessibility.

Supports Enterprise Sales

Most enterprise customers require access evidence during their procurement.

Making sure you have a VPAT available can help speed things up:

  • Vendor reviews
  • Security authorizations
  • Procurement discussions

Improves Accessibility Awareness

The VPAT production process is often used to help teams discover accessibility problems and enhance the product's usability.

Demonstrates Accessibility Commitment

Even if the product is in the process of being fully accessible an open VPAT shows an ongoing effort to make accessibility accessible and the desire to work towards improving.

Common Accessibility Areas Evaluated in SaaS Platforms

VPAT assessments often include:

  • Accessibility to the keyboard
  • Screen reader compatibility
  • Accessibility to forms
  • Color contrast
  • Structure of the heading
  • Navigation accessible
  • Error messaging
  • Responsive design
  • Access to PDF
  • Interactive components

Modern SaaS platforms have a lot of active components, which makes accessibility assessment particularly important.

Common VPAT Mistakes SaaS Companies Make

Certain companies design VPATs without the proper accessibility testing and access expertise.

The most frequent mistakes are:

  • Uncompletely evaluated
  • Accessibility reports that are out of date
  • Overstating compliance
  • Inattention to known problems
  • The screen reader is not functioning properly.

Documentation accuracy is crucial for reliability and confidence.

Accessibility Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage

Nowadays, many organizations are more concerned about the accessibility of their software when selecting suppliers.

SaaS businesses that make investments in accessibility can gain from

  • More customers reach
  • Better usability
  • Stronger enterprise opportunities
  • Improved customer experience
  • Reputation and trust are improved.

Accessibility has become more than the subject of compliance. It's now a part of the overall quality strategy and the digital strategy.

Final Thoughts

A VPAT assists SaaS firms communicate to customers how easily accessible their offerings are as well as how they comply with the accepted accessibility guidelines. It's a key element in procurement for enterprise, confidence in customers and the transparency of accessibility.

As the expectations for accessibility continue to rise, SaaS businesses that prioritize accessibility testing and have accurate VPAT documents will be better equipped to offer accessible digital experiences as well as meet expectations of their customers.

Accessibility doesn't just mean the documentation itself. It's about creating applications that can be used by everyone effortlessly and in a way that is independent.