implementation of accessibility & wcag in india and the way forward

Redefining Disability

Implementation of WCAG

In India and the Way Forward

By Shilpi KapoorDirector

BarrierBreak Technologies

Redefining Disability

Indian Scenario - Timeline• February 2008 – W3C address the concept of Web

Accessibility at Techshare India• December 2008 – WCAG 2.0 released• February 2009 – Release of Guideline for Indian Government

Websites at http://web.guidelines.gov.in adoption of Level A and some parts of Level AA

• April 2009 – National Portal of India launched as Accessible Website

• January 2010 – First Ministry to have an accessible website – Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

• As of Today – Only a maximum of 20 websites out of 6000 government websites are accessible

Redefining Disability

WCAG is an opportunity..

• India has ratified the UN Convention for Rights of People with Disabilities

• Since it impacts people beyond people with disabilities like:– Low bandwidth users– Illiterate – Elderly– You and me!

Redefining Disability

Some Myths about WCAG

• It is for the blind• Only about disabled… and disabled people don’t

access my website• It’s a checklist• It is only about Web Sites• I can use an automated tool and BOOM my website is

accessible• Accessibility is not my ONUS• Authoring tools don’t support accessibility

Redefining Disability

Implementation is the issue…

• Training– Accessibility– Assistive Technology

• Research & Development• Building an eco-system around developers and

assistive technology• Working on Standard Bodies• Monitoring of the Implementation

Redefining Disability

Let Technology be Inclusive!• Assistive Technology

Products

– Visual Impairment

– Hearing Impairment

– Mobility Impairment

– Learning Impairment

– Elderly

• Accessibility Services– Accessible

Web Development

– POUR Accessibility Testing

• Design Review• Template Review• Component Test• Product Accessibility

Testing• Task Oriented Testing

– Accessible Conversion• Digital Talking Book• PDF Conversion

• Events and Initiatives

Redefining Disability

Where to Contact Me?

email: shilpi@barrierbreak.com

office: +91-22-2686 0485/6

Connect with me at:

Shilpi_Kapoor