A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is more than a compliance document. It is a market access tool, a legal safeguard, and a trust signal that buyers increasingly demand before signing contracts.
Procurement Requirement
Government agencies, federal departments, universities, and large enterprises require a current VPAT before any software purchase. Without one, you cannot even enter the bid.
Legal Risk Reduction
ADA Title III digital lawsuits exceeded 4,000 cases in 2023 alone. Section 508 and EN 301 549 enforcement is intensifying. A VPAT demonstrates due diligence and good-faith effort.
Expanded Market Access
Federal, state, K-12, higher education (HEOA), and enterprise markets are all gated by accessibility compliance. A VPAT unlocks deals that competitors without one simply cannot win.
Buyer Trust & Transparency
A well-prepared VPAT signals that your product is built responsibly. Procurement teams and CIOs use it to evaluate vendor maturity - an accurate report builds far more confidence than no report at all.
Competitive Differentiation
Most software vendors still lack a current, credible VPAT. Having one - especially one backed by independent testing - sets you apart in RFPs and shortlists where accessibility is scored.
Inclusive Product Quality
Over 1 billion people globally live with a disability. Accessibility improvements benefit all users - better keyboard navigation, contrast, and structure improve usability for everyone.
