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.
Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®)
Voluntary
Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) - which details the accessibility of Information and Communication software and services and their conformance to the Revised 508 Standards. When the VPAT is complete it creates an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
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.
Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®)
Voluntary
Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) - which details the accessibility of Information and Communication software and services and their conformance to the Revised 508 Standards. When the VPAT is complete it creates an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
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.
Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®)
Voluntary
Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) - which details the accessibility of Information and Communication software and services and their conformance to the Revised 508 Standards. When the VPAT is complete it creates an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
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
Related resources
Other helpful resources from the Digital Accessibility Hub.