When buyers ask for proof of digital accessibility, two terms appear frequently: VPAT reports and ACR reports.
According to the latest accessibility reports, clear and reliable reporting helps buyers as well as vendors to feel confident during the purchasing process. Hence, confirming documents are crucial for software vendors, compliance teams and your team members doing risk management.
Let’s find out what each document is and which one your buyers might need.
Importance of the difference between ACR and VPAT
You might have noticed that the Accessibility Conformance Report is gaining more attention nowadays. Moreover, poorly written VPATs are losing credibility among enterprise reviewers.
The underlying reason for this is that procurement teams have become more sophisticated. A checkbox filled VPAT report is no longer enough.
Today’s buyers need:
- Evidence-backed accessibility claims
- Alignment with WCAG, Section 508 and sometimes EN 301 549
- Clear disclosure of limitations and exceptions
Hence, the distinction between an ACR report and VPAT report matters more than ever.
What Is a VPAT Report?
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is a free to download document format. It is available online and created the Information Technology Industry Council. Every vendor who needs to prove their accessibility compliance can use this template. They fill out the details and publish it on their own website or send to buyers during the review process.
A VPAT is useful for vendors in multiple ways:
- Declare how their product conforms to accessibility standards
- Map features against WCAG and Section 508 criteria
- Disclose known accessibility gaps
Key Characteristics of a VPAT
- It is predefined ITI template
- VPAT tables have criteria described in WCAG, Section 508, and/or EN 301 549
- You can write on your own or ask for expert help
Q: Do you pass or fail in a VPAT report?
A: It is a template to show what accessibility standards are met. It does not have a pass/fail system to show. It is required during procurement to compare accessibility compliance of different vendors.
What Is an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)?
The VPAT becomes the ACR when the template is completed and finalized. A VPAT is the template. An ACR is the report created from it.
In practice, the term ACR has evolved to mean more than just a filled template.
Modern ACRs Typically Include:
- Completed VPAT tables
- Detailed remarks and explanations
- Testing methodologies and tools used
- Scope, assumptions, and exclusions
- Sometimes third-party validation or audit references
Because of this added depth, buyers increasingly trust ACRs more than bare VPATs.
Why Buyers Prefer Accessibility Conformance Reports
Procurement teams in U.S. federal agencies, higher education, healthcare, and enterprise SaaS are no longer satisfied with “Supports / Partially Supports” labels alone.
They want answers to questions like:
- Which screens were tested?
- Which assistive technologies were used?
- Are limitations documented honestly?
ACRs address these concerns. They are different from compliance claims because they provide the much needed context in the document.
Q: Why do procurement teams ask for Accessibility Conformance Reports?
A: Because ACRs provide clearer evidence. An ACR with every row and column of the table filled by the experts brings transparency than basic VPAT declarations. If you need one, you can contact the VPAT testing and ACR writing specialists at ADACP.
Common Mistakes Vendors Make With VPATs
Many vendors lose deals because of low-quality VPATs. Frequent Issues:
- Some organizations do it inhouse and mark everything as “Supports” without explanation.
- If they don’t know the answers they leave the remarks sections blank.
- Some even ignore mobile apps or PDFs in scope.
- Another common mistake is to use outdated WCAG versions.
- This compliance disclosure document is not a marketing copy so don’t treat it that way.
Procurement teams and accessibility reviewers can recognize these patterns and reject your proposal.
How a strong ACR improves your proposals
A well-written Accessibility Conformance Reports signal expertise and authority. They demonstrate that thorough VPAT testing has been done and the report is not filled based on assumptions.
Strong ACR also shows that as vendor you are familiar with accessibility standards. This aligns you with enterprise procurement expectations. Buyers will shortlist your product faster.
Q: Does a better ACR improve sales outcomes?
A: Clear and honest ACRs reduce procurement friction. Buyers get a clear picture for potential risks, which can shorten sales cycles.
Self-Declared vs Validated ACRs which are better
Self-Declared ACR are created internally. They are faster and cheaper. These are acceptable for some buyers but you need honesty and evidence.
On the other hand, third-Party validated ACR report will be based on independent VPAT testing. These report signal higher trust to enterprise and government procurement. Due to their stronger legal defensibility, these are increasingly preferred in regulated industries
Q: Is third-party validation required for an ACR?
A: Third-party validation is not required by law. But it can significantly increases acceptance during enterprise and government procurement.
Conclusion
A basic VPAT might seem sufficient if your goal is to check boxes. However, you can only win enterprise or government deals by creating a credible, detailed Accessibility Conformance Report.
Expert written and validated ACRs are how vendors prove transparency. If you also need it then consult the experts at ADACP. They offer quick and efficient services for detailed Accessibility Conformance Report ACR.
