This content originally appeared on TPGi and was authored by Melissa Morse
The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) often sounds optional, thanks to the word “voluntary.” But for organizations selling technology into enterprise, government, or education, a VPAT is far from a “nice-to-have.” It’s frequently the make-or-break factor in procurement decisions.
It communicates how well a product conforms to accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, and the European Accessibility Act (EAA). A credible VPAT can smooth procurement conversations, while a poorly created one can raise red flags and stall or even derail deals.
Let’s break down the top three risks organizations face when VPATs are inaccurate or incomplete.
#1: Losing Out on Valuable Contracts
Government agencies and large enterprises often require accessibility documentation before moving forward with a purchase. If your VPAT is incomplete, outdated, or created without expertise, you may never make it past the procurement stage.
Consider this: a buyer reviewing proposals is not just checking if you have a VPAT, but also evaluating how thorough and credible it is. If your VPAT looks like a rushed formality, procurement teams may assume the same about your approach to accessibility as a whole.
Accessibility is becoming an increasingly competitive differentiator. Organizations that invest in accurate VPATs demonstrate accountability and readiness. Those who do not risk losing contracts that could have long-term strategic value.
#2: Compliance and Legal Exposure
Accessibility laws such as the ADA, Section 508, and the EAA set clear expectations for digital products. A VPAT does not replace those laws; it simply documents how your product conforms to them.
This is where risk comes in. If your VPAT underrepresents accessibility issues and a buyer relies on it, you may face legal exposure if the product is later found non-compliant. A poorly prepared VPAT can serve as evidence that your organization misrepresented its accessibility status, opening the door to litigation.
The reality is that a VPAT is a compliance record. Treating it casually or relying on internal assumptions instead of expert audits can create liabilities that extend well beyond lost sales.
#3: Damaging Trust with Buyers
Trust is hard to earn and easy to lose. It’s also at the center of every business relationship, and nothing erodes trust faster than unmet expectations. If your VPAT claims only a handful of accessibility issues exist, but buyers or users discover far more, it creates a credibility gap that can be difficult (sometimes impossible) to repair.
Beyond immediate frustration, misrepresentation signals to buyers that accessibility is not a genuine priority for your organization. This can have a cascading effect, harming your brand reputation and weakening long-term relationships with clients who expect honesty and accountability.
In industries where accessibility is critical to serving all users equitably, credibility is currency. A misleading VPAT puts that currency at risk.
Clearing Up the VPAT Misconception: ‘Voluntary’ vs. Legal Obligations
The word “voluntary” in VPAT often causes confusion. The VPAT itself is not legally mandated, but accessibility compliance is.
As Brian Elton, one of TPGi’s VPAT experts, explains:
“The VPAT is simply the standardized format used to report how a product conforms to WCAG and related standards. While no law mandates creating a VPAT, failing to have one often stalls procurement processes. And if you do create one, it must be accurate, complete, and transparent … or it can backfire.”
In other words, VPATs are voluntary, but accessibility is not. The VPAT is your organization’s opportunity to communicate progress with clarity and accountability. Misusing or misunderstanding it only increases risk.
For a deeper introduction, explore TPGi’s webinar recording: “VPAT® 101: Introduction to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template.”
Turning Risk into Opportunity
The good news: VPATs don’t have to be a liability. Done right, they can be one of your most effective tools for building trust with buyers, aligning internal teams, and demonstrating a long-term commitment to accessibility.
By partnering with TPGi’s accessibility experts, your organization can produce VPATs that result in Accessibility Conformance Reports and are both credible and strategically valuable. Ready to transform your VPATs from a risk into a competitive advantage? Contact us for a consultation.
The post Top 3 Risks of a Poorly Created VPAT: Why VPATs Matter More Than You Think appeared first on TPGi.
This content originally appeared on TPGi and was authored by Melissa Morse
Melissa Morse | Sciencx (2025-09-03T15:30:21+00:00) Top 3 Risks of a Poorly Created VPAT: Why VPATs Matter More Than You Think. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/09/03/top-3-risks-of-a-poorly-created-vpat-why-vpats-matter-more-than-you-think/
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