What are ACRs / VPATs?
Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) are the standard way to show how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products (software, hardware, websites, etc.) meet accessibility standards. ACRs commonly use the ITI's Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®), an industry-standard template providing a high-level overview of a product's accessibility conformance. VPATs are available for the following standards:
- WCAG: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (version 2.1)
- 508: Revised Section 508 (USA)
- EU: EN 301 549 (EU, Canada, Australia)
- INT: A combined template covering the three standards.
Why ACRs are important?
Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) are important for any provider of electronic and information technology (EIT) used, or potentially used, by federal workers. Here's a breakdown of why:
- Federal Mandates: Many countries have laws requiring that technology used by federal employees meet accessibility standards. If your product is used by someone even indirectly funded by the government, these regulations may apply.
- Beyond Federal: Private companies and non-federal public organizations are increasingly using ACRs to ensure software accessibility, driven by legislation like the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and similar human rights laws globally.
- Industry Standard: Major companies like Google, Apple, Adobe, and Microsoft publish ACRs. For example, Google publishes some of our ACRs at this external site.
- Benefits of Creating ACRs: Creating and publishing an ACR for your product: Demonstrates a commitment to accessibility. Organizations such as government agencies, schools, and businesses may require an ACR to complete sales and contracts, or otherwise use Google products.
How do I get an ACR created/published?
At the moment there are two options:
1 Use a third party vendor:
- Historically Google has mainly relied on third party vendors.
- Use a third party vendor if you have urgent ACR requests (costs will vary depending on the complexity of your product). Refer to go/a11y-vendors for further information on accessibility vendors, found on the second tab of the spreadsheet.
2 Use our in-house ACR service:
- The primary benefit of using P4A's in-house ACR creation service is cost-effectiveness: there are no monetary costs to use this service. In addition, you will be able to work closely and have candid discussions (via chat, emails, GVCs, etc,) with your PCounsel and P4A's in-house ACR creation team.
- To request an in-house ACR, fill out go/in-house-acr-intake-form
For any feedback or questions, reach out to in-house-acr@google.com.