How to Create & Maintain a VPAT for Mobile Banking App Accessibility: A Step-by-Step Guide

VPAT for Mobile Banking App Accessibility

VPAT for Mobile Banking App Accessibility – Below is a comprehensive Steps covering all major areas of accessibility compliance based on WCAG 2.1, Section 508, EN 301 549, and ISO/IEC 40500, adapted specifically for a mobile banking environment.

Step 1: Understand Accessibility Standards

Before drafting the Accessibility Audit and Testing / VPAT, identify which standards apply:

• VPAT 2.5 Rev EU
•  VPAT 2.5 INT
•  VPAT 2.5 508
•  VPAT 2.5 WCAG

Tip: The VPAT 2.5 INT version is designed to cover all three

Step 2: Assemble an Accessibility Team

• Developers (to fix issues)
• UX/UI Designers (for accessible design & Usability)
• QA Testers (manual & automated testing)
• Users with disabilities (for real-world testing)

Step 3: Perform Accessibility Audit

• Automated Testing
• Manual Testing
• User Testing with Persons with Disabilities

Mobile-Specific Considerations

• Screen Reader Testing(Android/iOS)
• Touch Target Size
• Orientation & Zoom
• Dark Mode Compatibility
• Biometric Authentication Accessibility (Alternative methods for users who can’t use FaceID/fingerprint)
• CAPTCHA alternatives (e.g., accessible audio CAPTCHAs)
• Voice Control Compatibility (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant)
• Accessible two-factor authentication

Step 4: Complete the VPAT/ACR Document (After Remedation )

Understand the “Conformance Level” options for each criterion:

• Supports: The functionality of the product has at least one method that meets the criterion without known defects or meets with equivalent facilitation.  
• Partially Supports: Some functionality of the product does not meet the criterion.
• Does Not Support: The majority of product functionality does not meet the criterion.  
• Not Applicable: The criterion does not apply to the product.  
• Not Evaluated: Only applicable for WCAG Level AAA criteria.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to map your mobile banking app’s accessibility evaluation to each part of the VPAT 2.5 INT:

• Map Your Accessibility Audit Results to WCAG Criteria (Table 1)
• Map Your Accessibility Audit Results to Section 508 Criteria (Table 2)
• Map Your Accessibility Audit Results to EN 301 549 Criteria (Table 3)

Step 5: Review and Validate the VPAT/ACR

• Internal Review: Have your accessibility team and relevant stakeholders review the completed VPAT for accuracy, completeness, and clarity. Ensure the conformance levels and remarks align with the audit findings.
• Third-Party Validation (Optional but Highly Recommended): Engage a reputable third-party accessibility consultant to review and validate the VPAT for an unbiased assessment of its accuracy.

Step 6: Publish & Distribute

• Add version history and testing date
• Save in accessible PDF or DOC format
• Host the VPAT on:
  • Your banking app’s website (accessibility page)
  • App stores (under accessibility info)
• Share with regulators, partners, and customers upon request.

Step 7: Maintain & Update the VPAT

• Major app updates
• Re-test critical accessibility areas with each new feature
• New OS releases (iOS/Android changes)
• Legal requirement updates
• Version Control (Keep old VPATs archived)
• Clear Remediation Plans (For non-compliant items)

Additional Considerations Specific to Mobile Banking Apps:

• Biometric Authentication: Ensure that if biometric authentication (fingerprint, face ID) is used, there’s an accessible alternative for users who cannot use biometrics. Provide clear instructions for setup and use with assistive technologies.
• Security Features: Ensure accessibility of security features like transaction confirmations, multi-factor authentication, and alerts.
• Financial Information Display: Ensure that financial data (account balances, transaction history) is presented in an accessible format, including being compatible with screen readers and allowing for text resizing.
• Customer Support Access: If customer support is integrated into the app (e.g., chat, phone), ensure these channels are also accessible to users with disabilities.
• Third-Party Integrations: If the app integrates with other services, evaluate the accessibility of those integrations as well.
• User Testing with People with Disabilities: Conduct user testing with individuals with various disabilities to identify and address accessibility barriers.

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