Web Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities : Evidence from India

Abstract

Websites are today the face of an organization, with Global reach. The Information and Technology (IT) Act 2000 of India, is entirely silent on the subject of web accessibility. However the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) guidelines of 2009, which has been ratified by Govt. of India, of which Article 9.2 (g) & (h) especially lays down that, states should facilitate access for Persons with disabilities (PWDs) to new information and communication technologies, especially the Internet. A study was undertaken on 3rd December 2009, to analyze the qualities of a website designed by Government Organizations (GOs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) working for PWDs in terms of Information & Dissemination, Accessibility, Design and Interactive participatory features. The main contribution of this study is to illuminate the features of websites used by GOs and NGOs working for PWDs in India and its accessibility. ; NO