INT VPAT: 3 Big Reasons Clients Choose This Edition
The INT edition of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) covers all major accessibility standards in one document. If your product or service sells across multiple markets or you want maximum flexibility, this edition eliminates the need for separate ACRs.
What Is the INT VPAT Edition?
The INT edition combines three technical standards into a single comprehensive template: WCAG, Section 508, and EN 301 549. When completed, it produces an Accessibility Conformance Report that addresses U.S. federal requirements, European accessibility requirements, and WCAG standards simultaneously.
Rather than maintaining separate documentation for different markets, the INT edition consolidates everything into one report. This makes it the most thorough option available, though it also requires the most extensive evaluation.
Reason 1: You Sell to Multiple Markets
If your products or services reach both U.S. and European buyers, the INT edition covers your bases. Federal agencies require Section 508 conformance documentation. European public sector procurement increasingly requires EN 301 549 conformance. Educational institutions and enterprises often reference WCAG directly.
With the INT edition, you produce one ACR that satisfies all three requirements. A procurement agent in the U.S. finds the Section 508 information they need. A European buyer locates the EN 301 549 criteria. Neither requires you to produce additional documentation.
Reason 2: You Want Future-Proof Documentation
Markets evolve. A product that sells exclusively to U.S. buyers today might expand internationally next year. The European Accessibility Act is increasing demand for EN 301 549 conformance documentation across the EU.
Starting with the INT edition means you already have the documentation when new opportunities arise. Even though ACRs typically need updating after significant product changes or every year or two to stay current, each refresh maintains your coverage across all standards. You avoid hurrying to produce different documentation when a European prospect suddenly asks for EN 301 549 conformance information.
Reason 3: You Prefer One Document to Manage
Maintaining multiple ACRs creates administrative overhead. Each document needs updating when your product changes. Each requires tracking for accuracy and currency. Each represents a separate file to locate and share with buyers.
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The INT edition consolidates this into a single document. When you update your product and need a new audit, you produce one updated ACR rather than three. Your team tracks one document. Buyers receive one comprehensive report.
When the INT Edition May Not Be Necessary
The INT edition requires evaluation against more criteria (involving different standards) than other editions. This means a more expansive audit and the VPAT takes significantly longer to fill in which leads to higher costs. If you exclusively sell to U.S. federal agencies and have no plans to expand internationally, the 508 edition covers your requirements at lower cost.
Similarly, if your buyers consistently specify WCAG 2.1 AA and nothing else, the WCAG edition delivers exactly what they need. Accessible.org uses the WCAG edition as the default recommendation unless clients have specific reasons to select another option.
The INT edition makes sense when you sell internationally or want flexibility for future expansion into new markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the INT edition cost more than other editions?
Yes, the cost to fill in and issue the INT edition may cost $950 or more (in addition to the audit). However, the document can immediately return value if you satisfy different buyer requirements with a single comprehensive ACR.
Can I switch from a WCAG Edition ACR to an INT ACR later?
Yes, but this requires a new audit against the additional standards. Starting with the INT edition avoids this if you anticipate needing broader coverage.
Do all buyers accept the INT edition?
Almost certainly, yes. The INT edition contains all the information found in the other editions combined. For example, a buyer requiring a Section 508 ACR will find that documentation within the INT ACR.
Final Thoughts
The INT edition of the VPAT is a robust document that covers you no matter what edition of the VPAT your buyer is interested in.
However, if your target buyers only require one edition (e.g., WCAG), then all you need is that edition.
If you need help with VPAT services, feel free to reach out to me at Accessible.org.
Also, if you are self-issuing your own ACR, Accessibility Tracker has the ability to auto generate VPATs with AI. An audit report is necessary for AI to fill in the VPAT. Also, a manual review is still necessary, but AI can save a lot of time filling in the document.
