How to Create a VPAT for eLearning Content: A Complete Guide for U.S. Organizations

Accessibility is no longer an optional feature for digital learning—it is a legal, ethical, and business necessity. Organizations across the United States, including corporations, universities, government agencies, and training providers, are expected to deliver learning experiences that are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities.

One of the most important documents used to demonstrate accessibility compliance is the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®). If your organization develops or purchases online learning solutions, understanding how to create a VPAT for eLearning content can help you meet procurement requirements, reduce legal risks, and improve learner experiences.

This guide explains everything U.S. organizations need to know about creating a VPAT for eLearning content, including best practices, testing methods, common mistakes, and why partnering with accessibility experts can simplify the process.

What Is a VPAT?

A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) is a standardized document used to describe how well a digital product conforms to recognized accessibility standards.

Rather than being a certification, a VPAT provides buyers with detailed information about accessibility features and limitations. It serves as the foundation for creating an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), which many U.S. organizations require before purchasing software or digital learning products.

For eLearning providers, a VPAT demonstrates that your courses, LMS, assessments, multimedia, and interactive learning modules have been evaluated against accessibility standards.

Why Is a VPAT Important for eLearning?

Educational institutions, federal agencies, state governments, healthcare organizations, and Fortune 500 companies increasingly require accessibility documentation before purchasing training solutions.

A well-prepared VPAT helps organizations:

• Meet Section 508 procurement requirements
• Support ADA accessibility initiatives
• Improve learner inclusivity
• Build customer trust
• Reduce legal compliance risks
• Increase opportunities for government contracts
• Strengthen enterprise sales proposals

For many U.S. buyers, the absence of a VPAT can immediately eliminate an eLearning vendor from consideration.

Accessibility Standards Covered in a VPAT

A VPAT can evaluate compliance with multiple accessibility standards, including:

WCAG 2.1

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the global standard for digital accessibility. Most organizations evaluate conformance at Level AA.

Areas evaluated include:

• Keyboard accessibility
• Alternative text
• Color contrast
• Captions
• Screen reader compatibility
• Focus indicators
• Navigation
• Forms
• Error identification

Section 508

Federal agencies in the United States must procure accessible technology under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

If your eLearning platform serves government organizations, Section 508 compliance is essential.

EN 301 549

Organizations serving international clients may also prepare VPATs that address European accessibility requirements.

How to Create a VPAT for eLearning Content

Creating a VPAT requires much more than completing a form. It involves detailed accessibility testing and documentation.

Step 1: Identify the Product Scope

Clearly define what is being evaluated.

Examples include:

• Learning Management System (LMS)
• Online courses
• SCORM packages
• xAPI learning modules
• Interactive assessments
• Mobile learning applications
• Video libraries
• Simulations

Every feature included in the evaluation should be documented.

Step 2: Determine Which VPAT Edition to Use

Choose the appropriate VPAT edition based on your target market.

For most U.S. organizations, the VPAT covering:

• WCAG 2.1
• Section 508

is the most common option.

Step 3: Perform Accessibility Testing

This is the most important part of the VPAT process.

Testing should include:

Manual Testing

Accessibility experts manually inspect every component.

This includes:

• Keyboard navigation
• Form accessibility
• Interactive elements
• Focus order
• Reading sequence
• Error messaging
• Responsive layouts

Screen Reader Testing

Test with popular assistive technologies such as:

• JAWS
• NVDA
• VoiceOver

Verify that users can complete learning activities without barriers.

Automated Accessibility Testing

Automated tools help identify issues such as:

• Missing image descriptions
• Low color contrast
• Empty buttons
• Missing labels
• Structural HTML issues

However, automated tools alone cannot identify all accessibility problems.

Multimedia Testing

Evaluate:

• Closed captions
• Audio descriptions
• Transcript availability
• Video controls
• Media player accessibility

Step 4: Evaluate Every Accessibility Criterion

Each VPAT criterion must receive an accurate conformance level.

Common responses include:

• Supports
• Partially Supports
• Does Not Support
• Not Applicable
• Not Evaluated

Each response should include detailed remarks explaining the testing results.

Step 5: Document Exceptions

Very few products achieve perfect accessibility.

If limitations exist, explain:

• What issue exists
• Who may be affected
• Possible workarounds
• Planned remediation efforts

Transparency builds credibility with procurement teams.

Step 6: Create the Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)

The completed VPAT becomes an Accessibility Conformance Report.

An ACR provides buyers with:

• Product information
• Evaluation methods
• Accessibility findings
• Standards covered
• Contact information
• Known limitations

This report is often requested during procurement.

Best Practices for Creating a High-Quality VPAT

Organizations should follow these best practices:

Conduct Real User Testing

Whenever possible, involve users with disabilities in usability testing.

Their feedback identifies issues that automated tools often miss.

Keep Documentation Current

Every major product update should trigger a VPAT review.

Accessibility changes over time as features evolve.

Use Accessibility Experts

VPATs should be prepared by professionals familiar with:

• WCAG
• Section 508
• ARIA
• Screen readers
• Accessible design
• Inclusive learning

Expert reviews significantly improve report accuracy.

Include Every Learning Component

Don’t evaluate only the LMS.

Review:

• Quizzes
• Drag-and-drop activities
• PDFs
• Videos
• Certificates
• Navigation menus
• Discussion boards
• Downloadable files

Common VPAT Mistakes to Avoid

Many organizations unintentionally weaken their VPAT by making these mistakes:

Using Only Automated Tools

Automated scanners typically detect only a fraction of accessibility issues.

Manual evaluation is essential.

Copying Generic Statements

Every VPAT should reflect the actual product.

Generic wording reduces credibility and may raise procurement concerns.

Ignoring Third-Party Content

Embedded tools, plugins, and external learning resources should also be evaluated.

Skipping Interactive Learning Elements

Accessibility issues often occur in:

• Simulations
• Branching scenarios
• Assessments
• Knowledge checks
• Gamification features

These require detailed testing.

Benefits of a Well-Prepared VPAT

Organizations investing in accessibility documentation enjoy several advantages.

Win More Government Contracts

Federal and state agencies frequently require VPAT documentation before awarding contracts.

Expand Enterprise Sales

Large corporations increasingly prioritize accessible learning solutions during vendor selection.

Improve Learning Outcomes

Accessible content creates better learning experiences for everyone—not just learners with disabilities.

Reduce Legal Risks

Accessibility compliance helps organizations minimize the risk of ADA-related complaints and litigation.

Strengthen Brand Reputation

Demonstrating a commitment to inclusion enhances credibility and reflects positively on your organization.

Why Work with Accessibility Specialists?

Preparing a VPAT requires technical expertise, accessibility knowledge, and detailed documentation.

Professional accessibility teams can:

• Conduct comprehensive WCAG audits
• Perform manual accessibility testing
• Review multimedia accessibility
• Test LMS platforms
• Validate SCORM content
• Prepare Accessibility Conformance Reports
• Recommend remediation strategies
• Support ongoing accessibility compliance

Organizations that rely on experienced accessibility consultants typically produce more accurate and procurement-ready VPAT documentation.

If your organization is looking for expert support with accessibility audits, eLearning remediation, curriculum modernization, and digital learning solutions, explore the comprehensive accessibility and eLearning services available at dimentics.com. Their team helps organizations create inclusive learning experiences while aligning with modern accessibility standards and compliance requirements.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to create a VPAT for eLearning content is becoming increasingly important as accessibility expectations continue to grow across the United States. Whether you develop online courses, corporate training programs, higher education content, or government learning solutions, a well-prepared VPAT demonstrates your commitment to accessibility, compliance, and inclusive education.

Creating a VPAT involves much more than filling out a template—it requires comprehensive testing, detailed documentation, and ongoing maintenance as your content evolves. By following best practices, conducting thorough evaluations, and partnering with experienced accessibility professionals, organizations can confidently meet procurement requirements while delivering learning experiences that everyone can access.

Investing in accessibility today not only supports legal compliance but also strengthens your reputation, expands business opportunities, and ensures that every learner has an equal opportunity to succeed.