Acronyms, Glossary, and Usage

Overview

The page is a reference for terms you'll see on our site as you learn more about digital accessibility (a11y). 

NOTE: Just like security -- digital accessibility methods change as we learn more and as technology changes. This list will be updated regularly as we integrate new concepts and policies.

Acronyms: Accessibility acronyms and their meanings

Select a card to learn the meaning of each acronym

ACR

Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) - A completed version of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) - which details the accessibility of Information and Communication software and services and their conformance to the Revised 508 Standards.

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

Select a card to learn more about each term

ACR

Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) - A completed version of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) - which details the accessibility of Information and Communication software and services and their conformance to the Revised 508 Standards.

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

Usage: Correct usage of key terms

Select a card to learn correct usage for these terms

ACR

Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) - A completed version of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) - which details the accessibility of Information and Communication software and services and their conformance to the Revised 508 Standards.

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

Additional Resources

Related pages in this section:

ACR

Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) - A completed version of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) - which details the accessibility of Information and Communication software and services and their conformance to the Revised 508 Standards.

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

Have digital accessibility questions or site feedback?  Email the digital accessibility team.