What is a 508 VPAT?
The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a document which evaluates how accessible a particular product is according to the Section 508 Standards. It is a self-disclosing document produced by the vendor which details each aspect of the Section 508 requirements and how the product supports each criteria.
What is Section 508 and WCAG?
WCAG deals with web sites. Section 508 deals with all consumer technologies — this includes web sites, but also includes other technologies such as kiosks, etc. Since Jan 2018, the government has modified Section 508 to include WCAG guidelines for A and AA conformance.
Is a VPAT the same as WCAG?
No. Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) 2.1 includes information from WCAG 2.0. VPAT 2.1 does not include information from WCAG 2.1. (VPAT is not developed by W3C.)
Is WCAG the same as 508?
WCAG is simply a set of formal guidelines on how to develop accessible web content. These standards represent a higher level of accessibility than 508 standards, although they are identical or very similar. WCAG focuses primarily on HTML accessibility.
What is VPAT used for?
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT™) is a document that explains how information and communication technology (ICT) products such as software, hardware, electronic content, and support documentation meet (conform to) the Revised 508 Standards for IT accessibility.
What is the purpose of a VPAT?
The purpose of a VPAT is to help buyers of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) make informed decisions before purchasing a product: Understand a product’s level of accessibility compliance. Compare compliance of similar products.
What are 508 standards?
Section 508 requires that the federal government procure, create, use and maintain ICT that is accessible to people with disabilities, regardless of whether or not they work for the federal government.
Is WCAG 2.1 required?
WCAG 2.1 is not required by government agencies or under Section 508. At this time WCAG 2.1 is not required by the revised US Federal Section 508 standards. The US Access Board would need to start an official process to update the revised standards to reference the updated WCAG.
Who needs a VPAT?
The VPAT is required for any business or service which fall under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, primarily those that do business with the federal government or receive government funds.
Is VPAT a legal document?
The VPAT is a necessary, legally binding document that’s required to be completed by every federal agency or any organization that interacts with a federal agency, should they wish to comply with section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Is Vpat mandatory?
US Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires government agencies to make ICT accessible to people with disabilities. When you are a ICT company dealing with federal agencies it is mandatory to provide a VPAT. Even though it is a vendor’s own free will to provide a VPAT, the simple and wise answer would be, Yes!
What is the difference between WCAG 2 and 508 standards?
Where a WCAG 2.0 success criterion is new and does not correspond to a provision in the existing 508 standards, it addresses a deficiency with the existing 508 Standards as identified by the developers of WCAG.
What are the WCAG guidelines?
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) developed the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines or WCAG. It is a globally recognized standard ISO/IEC 40500 that provides a range of stipulations for making web content more accessible. On the domestic United States front, there is a similar requirement as well.
Why do I need a VPAT™?
A VPAT™ is a good way to address the accessibility requirements defined in the solicitation. We recommend that vendors generate a VPAT™ for any ICT that’s intended to be marketed to the Federal government.
Why is Citrix focusing more on the WCAG?
As a result, Citrix is focusing more on the most recent updates to WCAG in order to provide the most accessible products to our customers. Citrix is demonstrating its commitment on accessibility with updated VPATs for many of its products including cloud services.