Documented new accessibility compliance policy page

source/about/accessibility-compliance-policy.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+Accessibility compliance policy
+================================
+
+Digital accessibility removes barriers to ensure full participation with digital experiences. People with disabilities may use assistive technology like screen readers or alternative input devices. We prioritize accessibility to deliver an experience that works for everyone, involving accessible designs, compatible code, and a logical, functional user interface for all.
+
+This policy outlines our commitment to accessibility through the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), which documents our product's compliance with accessibility standards.
+
+Policy and commitment
+---------------------
+
+At Mattermost, we strive to create a fair environment for everyone. We work continuously to ensure our digital products are accessible for all and are committed to following the W3C Web Content Accessibility 2.1 Guidelines and other applicable web accessibility laws including `WCAG 2.1 <https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/>`_ Level AA (W3C) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (United States) for federal accessibility requirements. 
+
+We leverage expert accessibility partners, such as `Level Access <https://www.levelaccess.com/>`_, to achieve and sustain conformance to accessibility standards. Their digital accessibility platform is used to evaluate our digital properties in accordance with best practices and is supported by a diverse team of accessibility professionals, including users with disabilities.
+
+To provide feedback about Mattermost’s accessibility, contact us at `[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>`_.
+
+Scope
+-----
+
+This policy applies to all products offered by Mattermost, including web applications, software, digital content, and related services that may be used by individuals with disabilities. The policy applies to both internal and external stakeholders, including potential customers, partners, and government agencies seeking accessibility information.
+
+VPAT creation process
+---------------------
+
+1. **Initial Assessment**: Each product is reviewed for accessibility compliance based on the relevant standards. This assessment is conducted by trained accessibility personnel or certified third-party auditors.
+
+2. **VPAT Documentation**: A VPAT is created based on the findings from the initial assessment. This document details each accessibility criterion and the level of conformance achieved, along with explanations for any known gaps or alternative solutions.
+
+3. **Review and Approval**: VPATs are reviewed by our accessibility compliance team to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency. Any areas not in full compliance are documented with explanations and, where possible, a roadmap for future improvements.
+
+4. **Publishing and Distribution**: Once approved, VPATs are made available upon request for customers, partners, and other stakeholders.
+
+Accessibility standards and regulations evolve, and our products and services continue to improve. VPATs will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis, at minimum annually, to reflect the current state of our accessibility compliance.
+
+Roles and responsibilities
+--------------------------
+
+* **Product Accessibility Team**: Conducts assessments, documents accessibility features, and prepares VPATs.
+* **Legal and Compliance Team**: Reviews VPATs to ensure legal requirements are met and accessibility claims are accurate.
+* **Customer Support Team**: Handles requests for VPATs and assists customers with accessibility questions.
+
+Customer and partner requests
+-----------------------------
+
+Customers and partners may request access to specific VPATs or additional accessibility information. The organization is committed to providing accurate and timely responses and will work to accommodate requests.
+
+To request a VPAT document, contact us at `[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>`_.

source/about/certifications-and-compliance.rst

@@ -67,9 +67,11 @@ Data portability
 Accessibility compliance
 -------------------------
 
+See the :doc:`accessibility compliance policy </about/accessibility-compliance-policy>` documentation for details.
+
 Adherence with accessibility standards is assisted in the following ways:
 
-- **508 Compliance:** For U.S. public sector organizations seeking to confirm 508 compliance, Mattermost publicly shares its :doc:`Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) online </about/vpat>`.
+- **508 Compliance:** VPATs are made available upon request for customers, partners, and other stakeholder seeking to confirm 508 compliance.
 - **WCAG 2.0L:** For meeting Web Contact Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG), Mattermost has received a third-party "A" rating and is working towards an "AA" rating.
 - **ADA:** Mattermost compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is achieved by offering the accessibility support detailed in the VPAT and WCAG 2.0 guidelines with Mattermost's online experience as the interface to accessibility tools.
 - **Remediation:** Any technical issue in a current or future product release that would prevent compliance with accessibility ratings stated in product documentation would be considered a product defect and Mattermost would welcome the `public filing of an issue report against the defect <https://developers.mattermost.com/contribute/why-contribute/#youve-found-a-bug>`_ so that it may be resolved.
@@ -234,6 +236,4 @@ We plan to add IPv6 compliance for :doc:`Audio & Screen Sharing </configure/call
 Are you 508 compliant?
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-Yes, the Mattermost platform is compliant with 508.
-
-Learn more about our :doc:`VPAT Template for 508 compliance </about/vpat>`, and `how Mattermost approaches accessibility in product development <https://mattermost.com/blog/mattermost-accessibility-for-the-visually-impaired/>`_.
+Yes, the Mattermost platform is compliant with 508. See the :doc:`accessibility compliance policy </about/accessibility-compliance-policy>` documentation for details.

source/about/faq-general.rst

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ The :ref:`commercial version of Mattermost <about/editions-and-offerings:matterm
 Does Mattermost support 508 Compliance?
 ---------------------------------------
 
-Yes, please see our :doc:`VPAT </about/vpat>` form for details. Mattermost Enterprise Edition has been purchased by multiple US public sector organizations, including US federal agencies and the Department of Defense.
+Yes. See the :doc:`accessibility compliance policy </about/accessibility-compliance-policy>` documentation for details. Mattermost Enterprise Edition has been purchased by multiple US public sector organizations, including US federal agencies and the Department of Defense.
 
 What's the largest Mattermost deployment you have?
 --------------------------------------------------