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. 

On Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), we don’t just reflect; we listen. This year, Isabel Holdsworth, a blind assistive technology engineer at TPGi, shared her experience traveling to Antarctica.

Taking inspiration from a recent TPGi webinar, let’s explore why semantics, design patterns, and attributes matter so much and how they shape the effectiveness of any accessibility audit. 

VPAT stands for Voluntary Product Accessibility TemplateTM. A VPAT is a standardized document that outlines the level of accessibility of a product or service for people with disabilities.

Forbes launched the Accessibility 100 list to spotlight the innovators, entrepreneurs, and companies shaping the future of accessibility across physical, sensory, and cognitive dimensions. Their selections underscore the growing intersection of usability, technology, and business; a space where investment and innovation are converging at a remarkable pace. 

Self-service devices are everywhere in modern transportation hubs. From airport check-in stations to restaurants to transit ticketing terminals, they help streamline operations and reduce wait times. Designers who exclude certain groups from kiosks turn these systems into barriers instead of conveniences.

Self-service kiosks have become a key part of daily transactions. We use them at airports, train stations, government offices, restaurants, and retail stores, almost everywhere. No longer limited to ATMs, kiosks now handle self-checkout, ticketing, wayfinding, payments, information access, and more.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is now enforceable, bringing clear expectations for any organization offering digital services or devices within the European Union (EU).

Self-service kiosks are now a staple in many restaurants, hotels, and hospitality venues — from quick-serve food ordering stations to grab-and-go kiosks in hotel lobbies. While these technologies improve efficiency, they can also create barriers for people with disabilities if they aren’t designed with accessibility in mind.

The clock is ticking: Starting June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will require that all new self-service kiosks in the EU meet strict accessibility standards. If you’re still treating accessibility as a “phase two” priority, it’s time to rethink your strategy.

A self-service kiosk typically refers to a standalone, interactive terminal that allows users to complete tasks independently, such as ordering food, checking in for a flight, or purchasing tickets.

Many development teams strive to make their websites and applications accessible but struggle to understand what screen reader users actually experience. Manual testing with screen readers like JAWS can be slow for beginners and difficult to scale — especially for teams without assistive technology expertise.

E-commerce brands invest heavily in product photography, SEO, and digital advertising, but too often customers abandon their carts before completing a purchase. One often-overlooked factor? Accessibility barriers.

When it comes to digital accessibility, the terms “standards” and “laws” often get mixed up. But understanding the difference is crucial. Some frameworks guide organizations on how to make their digital content accessible, while others legally require them to do so.

You’ve just been tasked with deploying several new self-service kiosks across hundreds of locations in the European Union. Now, it’s time to draft a Request for Proposal (RFP) to bring in vendors who can turn this vision into a reality.

It’s never too late to start an accessibility program. The important thing is that you’re taking the first step. As we explained in part one of the “Guide to Creating a Successful Digital Accessibility Program,” a digital accessibility program helps your organization move accessibility practices to the forefront of everything you do.

Is your payment system creating barriers or building loyalty? The answer could define your customer experience and, ultimately, your business success.

Ageism in design — whether intentional or not — can create significant barriers for those of us who are older, limiting our ability to engage with the digital world.

Self-service kiosks have revolutionized the patient experience, allowing users to streamline check-ins, schedule appointments, pay bills, and update personal information independently.

The effort to drive healthcare access into the 21st century has proven successful, thanks partly to the COVID-19 pandemic that forced healthcare organizations and their patients into a touchless society where technology was the key to human interaction.