Making Websites and Apps Accessible for People with Disabilities: A Guide for Companies
In a significant move, the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) has issued a notice to various sectors including government ministries, departments, and several private companies. This notice addresses the lack of accessibility on websites, mobile applications, and digital platforms for people with disabilities. The commission underscores an urgent call for action to meet the standards laid out in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
The Push for Change
The importance of making digital platforms accessible cannot be overstated. According to Rahul Bajaj, a lawyer and co-founder of Mission Accessibility, failing to accommodate individuals with disabilities means losing out on a significant consumer base, not to mention neglecting legal obligations. Companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Facebook, and even news outlets have found themselves in the spotlight over this pressing issue.
Bajaj, who has been a staunch advocate for digital accessibility, filed numerous complaints last year highlighting various instances of inaccessibility. This prompted the CCPD to take up the issue and organize an online hearing for all respondents, along with a training programme to provide better understanding and adherence to the required standards.
Simple Steps to Improve Accessibility
But what does it mean to make a digital platform accessible? Here are some basic measures companies can implement to ensure their websites and apps are usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities:
- Use Alternative Text for Images: Screen readers rely on alternative text to describe images to visually impaired users. Adding descriptive text can significantly enhance the browsing experience.
- Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that your website is fully navigable using a keyboard. Many users with motor disabilities depend on keyboard shortcuts to move through digital content.
- Captions and Transcripts: Videos and audio content should come with captions and transcripts to aid those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Color Contrast: Adequate color contrast between text and background can make reading content easier for users with visual impairments.
- ARIA Landmarks: Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) landmarks help screen readers to understand and interact effectively with web content.
- User-Friendly Forms: Forms should be easily navigable and provide clear instructions. Labels should be correctly associated with form fields to allow for easy recognition and completion.
- Consistent Structure: A consistent layout helps users with cognitive disabilities to navigate your site more easily. This includes predictable navigation elements and a logical information structure.
Legal and Ethical Obligations
Beyond these specific measures, it’s important to recognize the broader responsibility companies have. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates digital accessibility, yet many organizations struggle to meet these norms. The recent directive from the CCPD underlines the seriousness of this legal requirement and encourages organizations to view accessibility as not just an obligation, but as a crucial business strategy.
The focus should be on creating an inclusive digital environment that supports all users, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. This is not merely a legal necessity but a moral and ethical one too. Making digital platforms accessible can significantly enhance the user experience and foster goodwill among diverse user groups.
Embrace Technology, Train Your Team
Technical solutions can also play a significant role. Many tools are available to help companies audit their websites and apps for accessibility issues. Regularly scheduled audits and user testing, particularly involving individuals with disabilities, can uncover problems that may not be evident otherwise.
Additionally, training your team can make a big difference. The CCPD’s proposed online training programme is an excellent start, but ongoing education and awareness programs are essential to sustain this initiative. From developers to content creators, everyone involved in building and maintaining digital content should understand the principles and importance of accessibility.
Businesses will Benefit Too
Improved accessibility not only aligns with legal standards but also opens up new market opportunities. People with disabilities represent a considerable portion of the population. By making your digital platforms accessible, you can reach a wider audience and build a reputation as an inclusive and responsible business.
Accessibility is about more than compliance—it’s about ensuring equal participation and access to information for everyone. As businesses look to future-proof their digital presence, ensuring websites and apps are accessible should be a top priority. It’s a win-win situation: upholding the rights of individuals with disabilities while enhancing user experience and driving business growth.
The time to act is now. By following these guidelines and leveraging technological tools, companies can create an inclusive digital landscape that benefits everyone.
Priyanka