DigitalA11Y Empaneled as Web Accessibility Auditors with the Government of India
A New Milestone in Digital Accessibility
We are thrilled to announce that DigitalA11Y has been empaneled as accessibility auditors in digital and web accessibility with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice. This is an exciting moment for us, as we have been working tirelessly on digital accessibility projects across the US, Europe, and other countries. While we’ve always hoped for the opportunity to contribute to India’s digital accessibility journey, today marks the beginning of that reality.
Finally, we are stepping up to play—even if only a small part—in making India’s digital landscape more inclusive. We believe this empanelment is not just a milestone for DigitalA11Y but a step forward for accessibility in India as a whole.
What This Empanelment Means
As an empaneled web accessibility auditor with DEPwD, DigitalA11Y now has the responsibility to:
- Assess and evaluate web applications for accessibility to ensure usability for persons with disabilities.
- Conduct accessibility audits of government websites, examining design, ease of navigation, color contrast, visual indicators, and text alternatives for images to ensure compliance with Rule 15 of the RPwD Rules.
- Document and report on the accessibility status of various web applications.
- Provide detailed reports highlighting areas of non-compliance and recommending corrective measures.
- Collaborate with DEPwD to conduct training sessions and workshops for stakeholders involved in web application design, construction, and maintenance to raise awareness about accessibility standards.
- Monitor and evaluate the implementation of recommendations to ensure long-term compliance with web accessibility standards.
- Stay updated with evolving accessibility standards through continuous professional development.
We are excited about the impact this will have in bringing inclusive digital experiences to millions of people across India!
Why Digital Accessibility Matters in India?
India is home to over 26.8 million people with disabilities (Census 2011). For them, access to digital services is not just a convenience—it is a necessity.
Empaneling web accessibility auditors is a crucial step towards ensuring that government websites, which serve as gateways to essential services, are accessible to everyone, including:
- People using screen readers, screen magnifiers, and alternative input devices.
- Individuals with color blindness, cognitive disabilities, or motor impairments.
- Senior citizens who may struggle with complex navigation.
By ensuring compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and GIGW (Guidelines for Indian Government Websites), this initiative will foster an inclusive digital ecosystem where no one is left behind.
Why DigitalA11Y?
At DigitalA11Y, our expertise in web accessibility has been shaped by years of experience working on global accessibility projects. Our team comprises professionals who specialize in:
- WCAG compliance auditing
- User testing with assistive technologies
- Accessibility consulting and remediation strategies
- Training and workshops for design and development teams
We are passionate about making digital spaces usable for everyone and are honored to be recognized for our efforts through this empanelment.
A Journey Filled with Hard Work (and Paperwork!)
Funny story—while our accessibility audits require meticulous attention to detail, nothing prepared us for the mountain of paperwork we had to navigate for this empanelment! Our team’s perseverance paid off, and today, we are grateful to the Government of India and DEPwD for this incredible opportunity.
What’s Next?
This empanelment is just the beginning. We are ready to collaborate with government agencies, organizations, and developers to make their web platforms accessible to all.
If you are looking for an accessibility audit, consultation, or training, feel free to reach out to us. Together, we can make India’s digital infrastructure truly inclusive and accessible for all!
Take the First Step Toward an Inclusive Web!
Get Digital Accessibility advice from a Certified Accessibility Specialist
Related Reads:
- How India is Strengthening Digital Accessibility Through Legal Mandates
- Acts, Rules & Regulations by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
- Supreme Court Directs Centre to Establish Mandatory Accessibility Standards for Disabled Persons
- 155 Government Establishments in India Fined for Failing to Meet Digital Accessibility Standards
