An accessibility statement expresses an organization's commitment to accessibility, the standards they adhere to, and ongoing accessibility measures. Ensure all of your frequently asked questions concerning VPATs, privacy statements, and accessibility are answered!
What is an Accessibility Statement?
Companies or institutions that provide content or educational products publish accessibility statements to establish:
Why Should I Include Accessibility Statements for Products in My Course?
How Can I Find a Product’s Accessibility Statement?
The most direct method for finding an accessibility statement is to go to that company’s website and search for “Accessibility Statement.” However, sometimes a company’s internal search engine is not as effective as just doing a Google search with that company or product’s name and the term “Accessibility Statement.” Generally, you’ll find it fairly quickly.
We also have collected many accessibility statements, VPATs, and privacy statements for common technologies at KSU for you. Click the button below to find direct links to these privacy statements.
Common Technology Statements and VPATsCan I See Some Examples of Accessibility Statements?
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) defines a VPAT as “a document that explains how information and communication technology products…meet (conform to) the Revised 508 standards for IT accessibility.” Whereas an accessibility statement is generally a broader philosophical statement about the commitment to accessibility and where users can get help with accessibility with their product, a VPAT is a more technical document reporting how a product conforms to all accessibility standards, and is formatted according to a specific template.
American VPATs may be based on the Section 508 standards, the WCAG 2.2 (or an earlier version such as 2.1 or 2.0) standards, or both and typically begin with a broad report for whether or how well the product meets the standards. For instance, a VPAT for a product based on WCAG 2.2 standards will include a table identifying which levels (A, AA, AAA) the product meets. After that, the VPAT will list each 508 or WCAG standard and explain how the product meets that standard.
How Should I Use a VPAT?
How Can I Find a Product’s VPAT?
Just like the accessibility statement, the most direct method for finding a VPAT is to go to that company’s website and search for “VPAT.” However, sometimes a company’s internal search engine is not as effective as just doing a Google search with that company or product’s name and the term “VPAT.” Generally, you’ll find it fairly quickly. Infrequently, you may be required to request a VPAT from a company, such as at Pearson.
It’s important to note that a VPAT will likely be associated with a specific product, while an accessibility statement may be more broadly associated with the company.
We also have collected many accessibility statements, VPATs, and privacy statements for common technologies at KSU for you. View the button below to find direct links to these VPATs.
Can I See Some Examples of VPATs?
How Can I Get Help Reading a VPAT?