Acronyms, Glossary, and Terms

Overview

This page is a reference for acronyms and terms you'll see on our site as you learn more about digital accessibility (a11y). It contains usage guidelines for key terms.

Remember: Just like security -- digital accessibility methods change as we learn more and as technology changes.

Usage: Correct usage of key terms

Instructions: Select the cards to learn more about each term.

Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)

Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) - A completed version of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) - which details the accessibility of Information and Communication software and services and their conformance to the Revised 508 Standards.

Best practices

  • Know that ACR and VPAT are often used interchangeably
  • Request an ACR or VPAT® when evaluating, renewing, or purchasing Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This will enable the accessibility features and compliance to be evaluated along with the product's other offerings.
  • Review the document. Having a document doesn't mean that the product is accessible.  How accessible the product is, or isn't will be detailed in the document.
  • Ask for the methods used to certify the application and to see the accessibility reports

Glossary: Terms and their definitions

Instructions: Select the cards to learn more about each term.

Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)

Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) - A completed version of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) - which details the accessibility of Information and Communication software and services and their conformance to the Revised 508 Standards.

Best practices

  • Know that ACR and VPAT are often used interchangeably
  • Request an ACR or VPAT® when evaluating, renewing, or purchasing Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This will enable the accessibility features and compliance to be evaluated along with the product's other offerings.
  • Review the document. Having a document doesn't mean that the product is accessible.  How accessible the product is, or isn't will be detailed in the document.
  • Ask for the methods used to certify the application and to see the accessibility reports

Abbreviations: Accessibility-related abbreviations and their meanings

Instructions: Select the cards to learn more about each term.

Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)

Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) - A completed version of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) - which details the accessibility of Information and Communication software and services and their conformance to the Revised 508 Standards.

Best practices

  • Know that ACR and VPAT are often used interchangeably
  • Request an ACR or VPAT® when evaluating, renewing, or purchasing Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This will enable the accessibility features and compliance to be evaluated along with the product's other offerings.
  • Review the document. Having a document doesn't mean that the product is accessible.  How accessible the product is, or isn't will be detailed in the document.
  • Ask for the methods used to certify the application and to see the accessibility reports

Other helpful resources from the Digital Accessibility Hub.

Questions?

Last updated: May 29, 2025