Suppose your company is planning to sell digital products or services to US government agencies or public sector partners. In that case, your client may ask for a VPAT or Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). You might be puzzled between the options of hiring an external auditor and writing it yourself.

Here is what you need to know before you begin.

What Is a VPAT ACR?

A VPAT or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is a standardized template published by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). It helps vendors document the accessibility standards of their products like:

• Section 508 (U.S.)
• WCAG 2.1 (global)
• EN 301 549 (EU)
• ADA (U.S. law, indirectly)

Once filled out, this document becomes your ACR, the official output buyers look for.

Can You Write One Yourself?

Yes, technically. There is no legal rule that says only certified professionals can write VPAT ACRs.

To write one well, you need:

• Conduct thorough accessibility audits
• Understand the VPAT format and language
• Know how assistive technologies work
• Apply WCAG 2.1 success criteria (Level A and AA)

Make sure you do not skip steps or misrepresent compliance. Otherwise, your ACR could be rejected or worse, it may create legal and trust risks.

What is involved in writing a VPAT?

Writing a VPAT goes beyond filling out a form.

1. Conduct an accessibility audit

   Use both automated tools and manual testing to check screen readers, keyboard nav, color contrast accessibility guidelines.

2. Map findings to VPAT sections

   Each row in the VPAT refers to a WCAG success criterion or 508 rule. You need to state if your product Supports, Partially Supports, or Does Not Supporteach one.

3. Use standardized language

 Avoid vague terms like maybe or we think. Be specific because your buyers expect confident answers backed by evidence.

4. Provide remarks and explanations

 Explain why something only partially supports a guideline. Make a note of any planned improvements.

5. Review and finalize

Get your ACR reviewed by peers or have it validated by someone with accessibility expertise.

Should You Do It In-House?

You can do it if you have a trained accessibility team, and if you have enough time to test thoroughly. You can likely handle it internally if your team has prior experience with VPATs or audits.

But avoid self-evaluation if you are short on time or unsure of the standards. When you are bidding for a major public contract, it is smarter to get help from certified accessibility pros.A third-party VPAT carries more weightand reduces risk.

Final Thoughts

Many small vendors write their own VPAT ACR. But be honest about your skills and your product’s accessibility. The VPAT is a legal and public-facing document that demands scrutiny.

If you want to get it right the first time, this accessibility team helpsorganizations test, write, and deliver VPATs that hold up during procurement.