# If you have to ask, is it accessible?

DevFeed: [If you have to ask, is it accessible?](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/if-you-have-to-ask-is-it-accessible-9442.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://webaim.org/blog/if-you-have-to-ask-is-it-accessible/>)

Author: George Joeckel

Published: 2026-08-31T20:02:26Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [WebAIM Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/webaim-blog.md>)

Topics: [Accessibility](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/accessibility.md>), [ACR](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/acr.md>), [configuration](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/configuration.md>), [client](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/client.md>), [Hardware](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/hardware.md>), [Software](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/software.md>)

Tags: [accessibility](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/accessibility.md>), [acr](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/acr.md>), [customer](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/customer.md>), [hardware](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/hardware.md>), [internet](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/internet.md>), [legal](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/legal.md>), [product](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/product.md>), [software](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software.md>), [uncategorized](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/uncategorized.md>)

## AI overview

The article examines why vendors often require potential customers to request a VPAT instead of publishing it publicly. It explains that a VPAT translates accessibility requirements into testing criteria, while a completed VPAT is called an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). The article also introduces possible vendor concerns involving customized information, competitive information, and accurate product or configuration details.

## Source excerpt

As one of the researchers identifying products and tools for inclusion in the NCADEMI EdTech Accessibility Directory, VPATs have been on my mind. Most of the product vendors in the directory that do have VPATs do not provide them publicly, but instead require a potential customer to request the VPAT. This really surprised me, and [...]