VPAT Accessibility Testing & Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACR)

At Hicks Engineering, we specialize in evaluating and documenting the accessibility of your digital products and services. Our VPAT Accessibility Testing services help organizations rigorously assess their software, web applications, and digital content against global accessibility standards, culminating in comprehensive Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs).

About Our Approach

Our approach is centered on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®), a standardized document for reporting on a product's conformance to accessibility standards. We conduct thorough accessibility audits using a combination of automated tools and expert manual testing, ensuring accurate and detailed reporting. Our goal is to provide you with a clear, reliable Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) that demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and meets procurement requirements.

Our VPAT & Accessibility Testing Services

We offer comprehensive services designed to help you produce accurate and effective Accessibility Conformance Reports:

VPAT Accessibility Testing & Reporting:

• VPAT Readiness Assessment: We evaluate your product or service against the relevant VPAT® versions (e.g., VPAT® 2.5), which align with key accessibility standards such as Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (US federal), the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2), and EN 301 549 (EU). This assessment identifies which criteria apply to your product.
• Comprehensive Accessibility Audit: Our experts conduct in-depth accessibility testing of your Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products, including software, web applications, electronic content, and support documentation. This involves both automated scans and critical manual testing with assistive technologies to identify accessibility barriers related to navigation, keyboard access, screen reader compatibility, color contrast, alternative text, and more.
• Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) Development: We meticulously complete the official VPAT® template to generate a detailed Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). This report systematically documents your product's level of conformance for each accessibility criterion (e.g., "Supports," "Partially Supports," "Does Not Support," or "Not Applicable"), providing clear remarks and explanations for each entry.
• Remediation Guidance: Following the audit and ACR development, we provide actionable recommendations and clear steps to address any identified accessibility issues, guiding your development teams toward solutions.
• Vendor ACR Review: For organizations procuring third-party software and services, we assist in reviewing and evaluating Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) provided by your vendors. This ensures that their products adequately meet your accessibility procurement requirements.

WCAG 2.1 Compliance Timelines & Implications for Digital Content:

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) are increasingly recognized as the benchmark for digital accessibility worldwide. Understanding these standards and related compliance timelines is critical for any organization developing or providing digital products:

• For state and local government entities (Title II), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has set specific deadlines for their web content and mobile applications to comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA:
  • April 24, 2026: Compliance deadline for public entities with a population of 50,000 or more persons.
  • April 26, 2027: Compliance deadline for public entities with a population of less than 50,000 persons, and special district governments.
• For private entities (Title III), while there isn't a specific DOJ-mandated timeline for their own digital assets, the ADA's ongoing obligation for digital accessibility means proactive conformance with WCAG 2.1 AA is crucial to avoid potential legal challenges.

  Furthermore, if a private entity's software, website, or mobile application is used by a state or local government entity to provide public services (e.g., an EdTech platform used by a public school district), that product must meet the public entity's accessibility obligations, typically WCAG 2.1 AA. Many public entities, including those in higher education, often require vendors to provide a VPAT as part of their procurement process to demonstrate compliance. For EdTech companies specifically, providing a comprehensive VPAT/ACR is often a requirement when engaging with educational institutions, and accessibility questions are increasingly integrated into vendor assessment tools like the Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit (HECVAT).

Why Choose Us?

Leveraging our deep expertise in digital accessibility testing and reporting, we provide:

• Expert-Led Audits: Our seasoned accessibility professionals perform thorough manual and automated testing to ensure the accuracy and reliability of your ACR.
• Clear & Actionable ACRs: We deliver comprehensive Accessibility Conformance Reports that are easy to understand and readily accepted for procurement or internal improvement.
• Risk Mitigation: By accurately identifying and documenting accessibility barriers, we help you reduce the likelihood of legal action and reputational damage.
• Procurement Confidence: Use our meticulously prepared ACRs to demonstrate your product's accessibility to potential buyers, particularly in government, education, and other regulated sectors.
• Gap Analysis & Remediation: We act as a facilitator, providing a detailed findings report that highlights accessibility gaps and includes specific, actionable remediation recommendations to help your teams enhance product accessibility and align with WCAG 2.1 and other relevant standards.

Get Started

Ensure your digital products meet critical accessibility standards with a robust VPAT and ACR. Contact Us today to learn how our VPAT Accessibility Testing services can support your commitment to creating accessible technology.