INDIA'S TECH LEADERS UNITE AT 'INCLUSIVE INDIA – DIGITAL FIRST' SUMMIT TO CHAMPION DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY
New Delhi,
18th December 2023: In a significant stride towards fostering an
inclusive digital ecosystem, the 2nd edition of the 'Inclusive India – Digital
First' conference on Tuesday concluded, marking a pivotal moment in India’s
journey towards digital accessibility. The event brought together the
luminaries of the Indian IT industry, focusing on the imperative integration of
people with disabilities into the digital framework.
The summit
aims to include 15% of the world's population by implementing digital
accessibility and making web and mobile accessible to people with disabilities.
On the
occasion, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPWD, Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment, Government of India said, “There are numerous
schemes, and we are actively promoting barrier-free campaigns for
accessibility. We're addressing physical accessibility by incorporating ramps
for wheelchairs, lifts, accessible buses, and designing disability-friendly toilets
at railway stations.
Over the
past decade, the digital aspect has gained significance for people with
disabilities. "For instance, hotels must be booked online, requiring
websites to be accessible. Similarly, IRCTC websites are crucial for obtaining
online tickets. Can a blind person use Ola and Uber apps?" questioned
Aggarwal.
Aggarwal
continued, emphasizing the need for apps to be user-friendly for those without
hands and stressing the importance of making banking apps accessible to people
with disabilities. "The law mandates accessibility, with 13 ministries
issuing notifications. The sports ministry recently emphasized making stadiums
disabled-friendly," Aggarwal added.
Highlighting
the community's role, Aggarwal stressed collective efforts with corporations
and the government to address problems. He emphasized the need for inclusive
education, stating, ‘Availability of braille for the blind is crucial, and
text-to-speech is essential for the deaf.’
Aggarwal
concluded by stating that education remains one of the significant challenges.”
Shilpi
Kapoor, CEO of BarrierBreak, set the tone of the summit with a compelling
vision, asserting, "The mission of 'Inclusive - India: Digital First' is
to create a vibrant community focused on sharing insights and strategies for
digital accessibility.
At BarrierBreak, we're committed to guiding our global clients in embedding accessibility into their digital frameworks."
The
conference saw the participation of leading technology and financial
organizations, including Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Wipro, HSBC,
Accenture, TCS, Union Bank of India, State Street, and Atos. These
companies presented their initiatives and progress in making their products and
services more accessible to people with disabilities.
From the banking sector, HSBC highlighted its commitment to financial inclusion. "Ensuring that our banking and financial services are accessible to all, including the 15% of India’s population with disabilities, is a priority for us at HSBC," said a spokesperson from the bank.
NCPEDP
delegate focused on the importance of international standards in digital
accessibility, remarking, "Embracing the Web Content Accessibility
Guideline 2.2 - Level AA standards is not just about compliance for companies;
it’s about responsibility towards creating an inclusive digital world."
The conference featured in-depth discussions on the latest version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and explored how artificial intelligence can intersect with disability to promote greater independence.
In her
closing remarks, Kapoor highlighted the urgency of the
situation, "With a mere fraction of India's digital space being accessible
to people with disabilities, it’s imperative to look at global models of
digital accessibility. We envision a future where 'Made in India' tech products
are synonymous with accessibility and inclusivity."
The
'Inclusive - India: Digital First' summit not only served as an educational
platform but also as a clarion call for collective action, urging all
stakeholders in India's digital development to prioritize accessibility and
inclusivity.
About Us
BarrierBreak is the leader in offshore Digital
Accessibility testing and consulting based in India, founded in the year 2004
with a strong belief that technology can empower people with disabilities and
the elderly to live independently. https://www.barrierbreak.com