Que 1. What is an "Accessibility Testing / Audit" or "Web Testing" of a website, application or ICT?
Ans. A web accessibility audit of Web Testing evaluates a website's/ application’s compliance with accessibility standards and guidelines, including those notified under Rule 15 of the RPWD Rules (IS 17802 – Accessibility for ICT Products and Services), GIGW, and WCAG 2.2. The audit/testing assesses various aspects such as design, ease of navigation, visual indicators, contrast and color, and the availability of text alternatives for images to support screen readers. An accessibility expert conducts the audit, identifies issues requiring remediation, and provides a detailed report. After the necessary fixes are implemented, a re-evaluation is performed to validate compliance and ensure an inclusive user experience.
Que 2. Is accessibility mandatory for websites, applications and information technologies? What are Accessibility Standards for ICT in India & beyond?
Ans. Yes, in India, accessibility requirements are mandated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, which, along with Rule 15 of the RPWD Rules, requires all government and private sector entities (called establishments) providing public services to ensure their websites, applications, ICT products and services comply with IS 17802 (Accessibility for ICT Products and Services) and GIGW (Guidelines for Indian Government Websites) and international standards like WCAG 2.2.
Globally, regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S., the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in the EU, and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandate digital accessibility. Failure to comply can lead to legal action, penalties, and reputational damage. Beyond legal requirements, making websites and applications accessible ensures inclusivity, improves user experience, and broadens reach to all users, including persons with disabilities.
Que 3. Why should an establishment get an Access Audit conducted done of its websites, applications and other ICT deployed?
Ans. "Establishment" under the RPWD Act means both - the Government as well as Private Establishments as defined in Section 2(i). The Private Establishment as defined under section 2 (v) means - a company, firm, cooperative or other society, associations, trust, agency, institution, organization, union, factory or such other establishment as the appropriate Government may, by notification, specify.
Therefore, the establishments should undertake access audits, as it is mandated by the law. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD Act) 2016 mandates that all establishments should ensure that all their buildings, websites, ICT and services are accessible as per standards issued under section 40. Access audit is to assess and find the base line and prepared a prioritised action plan to improve accessibility of built-environment or websites/ICT products & services.
Que 4. What are legal provisions about built environment accessibility?
Ans. Section 2 (n), Section 42, 43 and 46 provide as below :
2(n). "Information and communication technology" includes all services and innovations relating to information and communication, including telecom services, web based services, electronic and print services, digital and virtual services;
Section 46 of the RPWD Act stipulates time limit for accessibility by service providers. It specifies that the service providers whether Government or private shall provide services within a period of two years from the date of notification of such rules (The RPWD Rules were formulated in 2017)
Que 5. Are Private Companies or Multi National Companies/ organisations also required to ensure Accessibility?
Ans. Yes, the accessibility mandate is applicable to all establishments which includes private and government establishments both. The term public services in the RPWD Act has a wide connotation and is not restricted to a government establishment alone. Under section 2(x) of the RPWD Act "public facilities and services" includes all forms of delivery of services to the public at large, including housing, educational and vocational trainings, employment and career advancement, shopping or marketing, religious, cultural, leisure or recreational, medical, health and rehabilitation, banking, finance and insurance, communication, postal and information, access to justice, public utilities, transportation;
Que 6. Who is competent to do the access evaluation/audit of websites, applications and ICT? Can we get it done through NGOs working in disability sector or Self Help group of PwDs or our own Employees with Disabilities?
Ans. Access Audit of ICT or Websites & applications is a technical evaluation of the digital environment. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has empanelled a list of competent Access Auditors for Web Accessibility who are authorized to conduct audits for web accessibility and certify accessibility conformance. While user groups amongst persons with disabilities do bring in their perspectives from their lived experiences, many themselves the daily users of assistive technologies in accessing digital environment can be a great resource in conducting manual testing and giving their feedback/reviews, they may not be well versed with the requirements of other disabilities as well as the technical details of accessibility standards and application thereof on the field. And this may not produce a wholesome overview of the access audit observations and recommendations that are technically sound.
It is, therefore, advisable that professionals with experience in standards development and access auditing, preferably with IAAP Certification in Accessibility or empanelled with DEPwD only are engaged in evaluating the accessibility to ensure legal compliance.
Que 7. What happens after the access audit is conducted by a competent professional?
Ans. An access audit is the first step towards identifying and analysing the gaps in accessibility. After an accessibility audit by a competent professional, a detailed report is provided, identifying non-compliance issues based on IS 17802, WCAG 2.2, and GIGW. The development team at the client's end then reviews the findings, prioritizes fixes, and implements necessary changes to improve accessibility, such as enhancing navigation, contrast, and screen reader compatibility. Once remediation/ fixes are completed, a re-evaluation is conducted to verify compliance.
Que 8. How do we seek "Certification of Accessibility Conformance/ Compliance" for our website/ applications/ ICT ?
Ans. Once the recommendations from the access audit report have been implemented by fixing all the observations / failing parameters, a retesting is undertaken by the Auditor for final compliance. If the platform meets accessibility standards, a compliance certificate may be issued by the Access Auditor. Regular monitoring, testing, and updates are crucial to maintaining accessibility as new content and features are introduced.
Que 10. We want to train our IT staff/ web development teams/ engineers on the accessibility requirements. Can you help us?
Ans. Yes, CABE has been engaged in capacity enhancement of the relevant stakeholders through tailor made course modules on Web Accessibility ranging from half day sessions to detailed 3-day courses for the technical staff on Accessibility of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
Reach out to us with our specific requirement and to to get a quote at training@cabefoundation.com . For any other information please reach out to us at info@cabefoundation.com
