Digital accessibility: A must for inclusion

The National Policy on Universal Electronics Accessibility was approved by the Union Cabinet in India on 3 October 2013. It's been ten years since. Looking at the all-important issue of digital accessibility on this occasion.

- Deepak Maheshwari

Ubiquitous digital access is seen as a prerequisite for inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth highlighted by G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, United Nations Global Digital Compact, and Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development; also under Digital India Programme, National Digital Communications Policy, National Broadband Mission and even state-level policies.

After all, digital transformation is underway everywhere healthcare to hospitality; education to entertainment; communication to commerce; governance to gaming.

WHAT ABOUT PERSONS WITH DISABILITY (PWD)?

While digital access is necessary, it may be inaccessible for persons with disability (Divyangjan) - physical, neurological or developmental; temporary or permanent. The impairment can impact motor movement or mental faculties as well as in terms of intellectual or sensory perception.

Examples include but are not limited to limitations in vision, movement, speech or hearing as well as dyslexia, autism, cerebral palsy, etc. Every disability creates challenges or barriers, but multiple disabilities have a compounding impact.

EXTENT OF DISABILITY IN INDIA?

According to the Government of India's Office of Chief Commissioner for PwD, 2.21% of India's total population as per the 2011 census was disabled, implying that on average, one out of 45 Indians was disabled. However, one out of every 12 households had at least one disabled person!

Moreover, such data likely did not include persons with temporary disability caused by a fracture, hospitalization or even post-surgery.

POLICY LANDSCAPE FOR PwD?