How to fill out a VPAT without a consultant
A step-by-step method, and how to word answers a reviewer will trust.
You can write your own report. Texas Tech describes the document as a self-assessment. What matters is that the testing is real.
1. Choose the edition and scope
Ask your buyer what they need. Then list the pages and complete tasks you will test, such as "Submit an assignment".
2. Set up your test tools
- A keyboard, with the mouse put away
- Two screen readers. NVDA on Windows is free, and VoiceOver comes with a Mac.
- An automated checker such as axe
- Browser zoom, and a contrast checker
3. Scan first, then test by hand
A scan finds some problems quickly. It cannot tell you whether a criterion passes. For most criteria you need a person.
4. Word your remarks with care
Say what you tested and what happened. For a failure, name the feature and how it falls short.
| Weak | Strong |
|---|---|
| Supports. | All functions in the tested flows work with a keyboard in Chrome, Firefox and Safari. |
| Some issues with contrast. | Most text passes. Table header text is 3.2:1, and help text in Settings is 3.9:1. |
| N/A | The product has no prerecorded video. |
5. Add a roadmap
For each failure, give a planned fix and a target date. Some universities ask for this directly.
6. Follow the required structure
ITI lists what a report must contain, including the title format, template version, date, description, contact, evaluation methods, standards and terms. Every criterion at a reported level needs an answer.
7. Check it before you send it
Run the free Reviewer Check. GoodACR can also carry you through all of the above, with test steps for each criterion and evidence kept alongside each answer.