Achieve WCAG Compliance with ACR and VPAT Services
At EcomBack, we specialize in assisting public entities, government agencies, and organizations in achieving compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). We provide Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACR) and Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPAT) so you can demonstrate your commitment to accessibility for all.
Building Trust Through Accessibility:
Why ACRs and VPATs Matter for Public Entities
Why Accessibility. Conformance Reports (ACR) and Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPAT) Are Essential for Public Entity Compliance
Public entities are held to the highest standards of accessibility set forth by laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508, and various state-level regulations. Failing to comply can lead to legal consequences, loss of funding, and a decline in public trust.
ACRs and VPATs are essential for adhering to accessibility laws and for showcasing your commitment to inclusivity. They provide several key benefits:
Transparency: Demonstrate your organization’s accessibility measures to the public and stakeholders.
Accountability: Document your compliance efforts with detailed reporting.
Confidence: Utilizing ACRs and VPATs instills confidence in your users as it shows that your digital tools and products are usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
Comprehensive ACR and VPAT Services to Meet WCAG Standards
EcomBack offers a comprehensive suite of services to help you comply with WCAG standards and create an inclusive digital experience
Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACR)
Our ACRs assess your website or digital product’s compliance with WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 guidelines, providing a detailed breakdown of accessibility successes and gaps.
Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPAT)
We create professional VPATs that outline your product’s accessibility features and conformance level with WCAG, ADA, and Section 508 standards.
Comprehensive Accessibility Audits
Support for Public Sector Needs
Whether you need help with procurement processes, compliance documentation, or training your team, we provide tailored solutions for public entities.
Understanding Title II Rules:
Accessibility Deadlines for 2026 and 2027
The Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces Title II of the ADA, which requires state and local governments to ensure their digital content, programs, and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This mandate includes websites, online portals, and multimedia tools.
Key Compliance and Exemptions Deadlines
By 2026:
All newly launched digital content—including websites, PDFs, and videos—must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Accessibility testing and detailed documentation will be essential to demonstrate compliance with these requirements.
By 2027:
All existing digital content, including older websites, documents, and multimedia, must also meet WCAG 2.1 AA or higher standards.
However, certain archived content is exempt from this requirement if it meets specific criteria outlined by the Department of Justice:
- The content was created before the compliance date applicable to the public entity
- It is maintained solely for reference, research, or recordkeeping
- It is stored in a designated archive area clearly identified as such
- The content is not updated or altered after being archived
For additional details on these compliance deadlines and exemptions, refer to the DOJ’s guidelines on accessibility standards:
DOJ Web Accessibility Rules and Guidance
Proactively ensuring compliance for all other digital content while appropriately designating archival materials will help meet accessibility standards and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and conformance.
Ensuring Accessible PDFs, Videos, and Digital Content for Public Entities
PDFs and Documents
PDFs must adhere to PDF/UA standards with proper tagging, navigable structures, and alternative text for images. Public notices, government forms, and reports should be usable with assistive technologies.
Videos and Multimedia
Videos need captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts to ensure accessibility for all users, including those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired.
Images and Infographics
All visual content must include alternative text (alt text) or detailed descriptions for individuals with visual impairments.
Web Forms and Interactive Features
Online forms must include appropriate labels, error alerts, and logical navigation to support users of assistive technologies.
How EcomBack Helps You with ACR and VPAT Documentation
Court-Approved Accessibility Provider
Trusted by organizations nationwide for delivering compliance with precision.
Manual Auditing Experts:
We avoid unreliable overlays and widgets, ensuring genuine accessibility improvements.
Experienced in Public Sector Compliance
Decades of experience working with government agencies and public entities.
Member of IAAP and W3C
We follow global accessibility standards and industry best practices.
How It Works
Schedule a Consultation
Let’s discuss your organization’s needs and determine the
scope of your accessibility project.
Conduct a Full Audit
Our team performs a detailed evaluation of your website or digital product to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
Deliver ACR and VPAT Documentation
Receive industry-standard, professionally crafted reports ready to share with stakeholders, clients, or procurement officers.
Achieve WCAG Compliance
With our guidance, implement actionable recommendations to meet accessibility requirements.
Let’s Make Accessibility Your Priority
Your public entity’s mission is to serve everyone—let us help you ensure no one is left behind. Contact EcomBack today to learn more about our ACR and VPAT services and take the first step toward full WCAG compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an ACR and a VPAT?
An Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is a detailed document that shows how a business meets accessibility standards, such as WCAG and Section 508.
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), meanwhile, is a standardized document developed by the IT Industry Council that is used to complete an ACR.
What kind of public entities and organizations should have an ACR and VPAT?
- U.S. government agencies
- Government contractors or companies that provide products to federal, state, and local governments
- Public schools, universities, and colleges
- Healthcare providers
- Public libraries
- Non-profit organizations
- Transportation authorities
- Emergency services
- Banks and credit unions
- And more
Is having an ACR or VPAT required by law?
While having an ACR or VPAT is not legally mandatory for all entities, it is highly recommended, especially for organizations working with government agencies or public entities. Many procurement officers require vendors to provide ACRs or VPATs to demonstrate that their products meet accessibility standards, such as WCAG and Section 508, before purchase decisions are made.
Additionally, as lawsuits related to website accessibility continue to rise, having an ACR or VPAT can help organizations mitigate legal risks and demonstrate their commitment to compliance. These documents not only support better user experiences for individuals with disabilities but also provide transparency and accountability in digital accessibility practices.
Do archived digital materials need to be accessible under the new DOJ rules?
Certain archived content is exempt from the accessibility requirements outlined in the new DOJ rules if it meets these specific criteria:
- The content was created before the applicable compliance date.
- It is maintained solely for reference, research, or recordkeeping purposes.
- It is stored in a designated archive area clearly labeled as such.
- The content is not updated or altered after being archived.
However, all other digital content, including newly launched and existing materials, must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards by the specified deadlines:
- 2026: Newly launched content must comply.
- 2027: All existing content must comply, except for qualifying archived materials.
For more details on the exemptions and compliance requirements, visit the DOJ Web Accessibility Rules and Guidance.
