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Why Are Customers Asking for VPATs and Accessibility Documentation?
New ADA Title II requirements are changing how public entities evaluate the technology they use, and why they're asking vendors like you for VPAT 2.5 ACRs and other accessibility documentation.
What Is ADA Title II
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to their programs, services, and activities, including those delivered through websites, mobile aps, and digital services
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published a final rule adopting these requirements and adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the technical standard.
What Happens If You Don't Comply?
Lost Sales Opportunities
Many public entities now evaluate accessibility before purchasing or renewing contracts
Delayed Procurement
Organizations may pause purchases or renewals until accessibility documentation is provided
Additional Customer Scrutiny
You may be asked for testing results, remediation plans, VPATs, and roadmaps, causing delays and extra work.
Competitive Disadvantage
Accessible solutions are often preferred during procurement evaluations.
Remediation Under Tight Deadlines
Waiting until a customer asks often leads to higher cost and rushed timelines.
Who Must Comply?
State Agencies
Counties, cities, and municipalities
Public colleges and universities
Public school systems
Special district governments
Software vendors and digital service providers serving public entities
Why Are They Asking Vendors for VPATs?
To meet their own compliance obligations, public entities must evaluate the accessibility of the software, platforms, and digital services they purchase or use.
1. Evaluate
They assess whether the technology is accessible and meets WCAG 2.1 AA
2. Document
They request a VPAT 2.5 ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) as evidence.
3. Procure
Only accessible solutions that meet requirements can be selected or renewed.
If you can't provide a VPAT or accessibility documentation, you risk losing business or contract renewals.
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