VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)
A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a document that explains how technology products and services meet accessibility requirements. Think of it as a report card that shows if websites, software, or apps can be used by people with disabilities. Companies need these documents to sell their products to government agencies or large organizations. Creating VPATs involves reviewing products against accessibility standards and documenting findings in a standardized format. It's similar to a home inspection report, but instead of checking for structural issues, it checks if everyone, including people with disabilities, can use the product effectively.
Examples in Resumes
Created VPAT documentation for Fortune 500 company's software products
Led accessibility evaluations and VPAT updates for 20+ web applications
Conducted detailed product reviews and authored VPATs compliant with Section 508 requirements
Developed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template reports for client's educational technology platform
Typical job title: "Accessibility Consultants"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Accessibility Consultants
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you manage a large-scale VPAT assessment project for multiple products?
Expected Answer: Should discuss project planning, team coordination, consistency in evaluation methods, timeline management, and strategies for handling multiple stakeholders and products simultaneously. Should mention quality control processes and standardization of documentation.
Q: How do you stay current with changing accessibility standards and VPAT requirements?
Expected Answer: Should mention following updates from accessibility organizations, participating in professional groups, attending conferences, and having a system for updating existing VPATs when standards change.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What is your process for completing a VPAT evaluation?
Expected Answer: Should describe steps including initial product review, testing with various accessibility tools, documenting findings, consulting with development teams, and formatting the final report in the required template.
Q: How do you handle situations where a product doesn't meet certain accessibility requirements?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to document non-compliance professionally, suggest alternative solutions, and work with development teams to create remediation plans.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main sections of a VPAT document?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list and briefly explain the main sections: product information, applicable standards, evaluation methods, and conformance levels for different accessibility criteria.
Q: What tools do you use to evaluate products for VPAT documentation?
Expected Answer: Should mention common accessibility testing tools, screen readers, and manual testing methods used to verify product accessibility.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of accessibility guidelines
- Familiarity with VPAT template structure
- Basic accessibility testing tools usage
- Documentation and report writing
Mid (2-5 years)
- Detailed knowledge of accessibility standards
- Independent VPAT evaluations
- Communication with development teams
- Understanding of assistive technologies
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management of large-scale evaluations
- Training and mentoring team members
- Strategic accessibility consulting
- Expert knowledge of compliance requirements
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic accessibility guidelines like WCAG
- Lack of experience with assistive technologies
- Poor documentation or technical writing skills
- No understanding of Section 508 requirements
- Unable to explain different levels of conformance
Related Terms
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