Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Completing a VPAT ACR

 Learn the top 5 mistakes people make when filling out a VPAT ACR and how to avoid them. Follow simple tips from ADACP to get it right.

A VPAT ACR helps people know if your website or software is easy for everyone to use, including disabled users. This report card shows how accessible your product is.

But many people make mistakes when filling out the VPAT accessibility conformance report. These mistakes can cause problems later.

Not knowing what a VPAT ACR Is
Filling without really knowing is a big mistake.

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template or as we call in layman terms the VPAT template turns into an ACR Accessibility Conformance Report once it is filled out. It tells how well your product meets the Section 508 and WCAG along with EN 301 549.

Tip: Learn what each rule means before you begin. You can visit websites like ADACP to find guides. They have a dedicated section for Section 508 VPAT and subsequent ACR.

Copy-Pasting From Other VPATs
Do not take text from someone else’s VPAT, it is not a feasible solution.

Every product is different and what works for one company may not work for you. If you copy-paste then you may include wrong info or miss things that apply to your product.

Solution: Always test your own product. Write answers based on your real results.

Leaving Sections Blank
Leaving empty boxes or skipping parts is a big no-no. Reviewers may think you didn’t finish the job or are hiding problems.

Even if a rule does not apply to your product, you should still say Not Applicable or explain the reason of skipping it. Make sure you fill in every part and be honest and complete.

What should you write in your VPAT ACR if a section does not apply to your product?

You should write “Not Applicable” and give a short reason why it does not fit your product.

Using fancy words that do not help
Some reports are full of heavy words and tech talk that do not make sense and can confuse readers.

A VPAT accessibility conformance report should be easy to read. People like government buyers or company reviewers need to understand it fast.

How should you write your VPAT ACR so everyone understands it?

You should use plain and simple words. Mention what works with your product, what does not work and what you are fixing. Make it easy to read.

Not getting help from experts
Trying to do it all alone is risky. The VPAT 2.4 needs to be accurate and clear. If you are not sure what is 2.4 and how to write, then it is smart to ask for help.

According to the accessibility team at ADACP, many businesses get into trouble because they did not check their VPATs with experts. Errors in the ACR can cost sales or lead to legal trouble.

What is VPAT 2.4?

VPAT 2.4 is the latest template to show accessibility standards of your products. It shows that your website, app or tool follows rules like Section 508, EN 301 549 and WCAG.

But too many rules can make it difficult to fill accurately. That is why you should ask experts like the team at ADACP to fill it the right way.

Conclusion

A good VPAT ACR shows that your company cares about accessibility. It builds trust and makes your product open to more users. Also, it helps you meet rules and avoid legal risks.

So avoid the above listed 5 mistakes and make your report stronger and your company more reliable. If you need help with your VPAT ACR then experts like ADACP can guide you every step of the way. They do testing, training and reviews to make sure your accessibility report is perfect.