News

Volume 6 Issue 5 - August 15, 2009

I.T. Ministry to discuss draft National Policy on Electronic Accessibility

D.N.I.S. News Network, India: The Ministry of Information Technology (I.T.) has convened a meeting on August 17 of all stakeholders to discuss the draft National Policy on Electronic Accessibility.

D.N.I.S. had earlier reported that N.C.P.E.D.P in collaboration with BarrierBreak Technologies has come up with a draft National Policy on Electronic Accessibility and that officials from the Ministry had attended the meeting of N.C.P.E.D.P.’s Core Group on Communication and Information Technology. Following this development, the Ministry has sent out a letter to all stakeholders to discuss this policy on August 17.

The objective of the policy is to provide persons with disabilities equal access to electronic and information and communication technology and services. This policy expands on U.N.C.R.P.D. which India has ratified. The policy covers all electronic user interface and not just computers or internet.

The policy emphasizes the importance of creating awareness on accessibility and universal design and creating and implementing standards and guidelines. It also aims at promoting research and development in the area of universal design and assistive technology and independent living aids and schemes in the area of accessible electronic and information and communication technology. It lays importance on building capacity to ensure that accessible products and services can be developed in India.

If passed it will indeed be a pathbreaking achievement for the disability sector.