Persons with disabilities have long been facing problems to access digital information as still many websites and resources are not as per international guideline on ICT accessibility. Taking a step forward towards creation of an inclusive India, the telecom regulator TRAI,on 20 December, released a Consultation paper on making Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessible for the persons with disabilities.
TRAI said more policy interventions are needed in this area where benefits of technology have not been fully realised.
TRAI has sought views on whether handset makers should be mandated to manufacture at least one model for the disabled with assistive technology features such as hearing, visual aids and emergency buttons.It has also asked if information on billing and pricing needs to be provided in a form that is accessible by PwDs.
Industry was also requested to send its views on disabilities that need to be included in the enabling framework, and reasons for benefits not reaching the persons with disabilities (PwDs), and corrective measures that need to be undertaken.
TRAI said in its paper that persons with disabilities were "often not able to access these ICT services on account of lack of necessary accessibility features or unaffordable prices of the equipment or due to unavailability of required services".
It added: "Since access to telecom and broadcasting services has become an essential component of economic growth and upliftment of people, it is important that the necessary steps are taken to ensure that the PwDs are able to access these services and barriers that hinder this access are identified and removed."
The paper said: "...corresponding changes in services or content is yet to come in the country implying thereby that the benefits of ICT development have not yet reached the PwDs."
Industry can send its comments by January 22, 2018 and counter comments by February 5, 2018.
TRAI has sought views on whether handset makers should be mandated to manufacture at least one model for the disabled with assistive technology features such as hearing, visual aids and emergency buttons.It has also asked if information on billing and pricing needs to be provided in a form that is accessible by PwDs.
Industry was also requested to send its views on disabilities that need to be included in the enabling framework, and reasons for benefits not reaching the persons with disabilities (PwDs), and corrective measures that need to be undertaken.
TRAI said in its paper that persons with disabilities were "often not able to access these ICT services on account of lack of necessary accessibility features or unaffordable prices of the equipment or due to unavailability of required services".
It added: "Since access to telecom and broadcasting services has become an essential component of economic growth and upliftment of people, it is important that the necessary steps are taken to ensure that the PwDs are able to access these services and barriers that hinder this access are identified and removed."
The paper said: "...corresponding changes in services or content is yet to come in the country implying thereby that the benefits of ICT development have not yet reached the PwDs."
Industry can send its comments by January 22, 2018 and counter comments by February 5, 2018.
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