The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 is the foundational law in India ensuring equal rights, dignity, and participation for persons with disabilities. While the Act covers many aspects related to rights, education, employment, and policy frameworks, one section stands out for businesses, workplaces, digital platforms, and service providers — Accessibility Compliance.
For organizations in India, whether government or private, compliance with accessibility standards under the RPwD Act is mandatory and enforceable. This includes physical spaces, digital platforms, transportation, communication systems, and services.
Who Must Comply?
The RPwD Act applies to:
- Government organizations
- Public-sector enterprises
- Private companies
- Trusts, societies, partnerships, institutions, and factories
Compliance is not optional! All organizations that offer services, employment, or public access fall under its scope.
Know more about RPwD Act
Why Accessibility Matters Under the RPwD Act
“Accessibility refers to the design of products, services, environments, and systems to ensure that all individuals, including those with disabilities, can access, use, and benefit from them fully and independently.” — Supreme Court ruling in Rajive Raturi v. Union of India.
Under the Act, organizations must ensure:
Physical accessibility
Transportation accessibility
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility
Inclusive employment practices
Failure to comply attracts financial penalties and legal consequences.
Digital and ICT Accessibility Requirements
Sections 40–46 of the RPwD Act mandate accessibility across digital systems and technology.
Organizations must ensure:
- Websites and web applications follow accessibility guidelines
- Online documents and digital content are accessible
- Mobile applications are accessible
- Software products and internal systems meet accessibility requirements
- Telecom and electronic services are accessible
- Multimedia content includes accessibility features like captions, transcripts, sign language, and audio descriptions
The Government of India has formalized standards that organizations must adopt, including:
- Indian ICT Accessibility Standard IS 17802 (Part 1 & 2)
- Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW)
- Accessibility standards across sectors such as banking, higher education, ports, aviation, and healthcare
Accessibility of Physical Infrastructure
All new construction and renovation must adhere to national accessibility standards, including the Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built Environment.
Key compliance expectations:
- Accessible entrances, pathways, parking, restrooms, signage
- Accessible workplaces and public areas
- Completion/occupancy certificates are issued only after accessibility compliance
- Existing public buildings must also be made accessible within defined timeframes
Accessibility in Transportation
The Act requires government and service providers to ensure:
- Accessible ticket counters, toilets, waiting areas
- Accessible buses, metro, railway systems, and airports
- Retrofitting of older transport models where feasible
- Accessible ticketing kiosks and travel support services
Employer Obligations Under the Act
All employers must:
- Implement a registered Equal Opportunity Policy
- Maintain employment records of employees with disabilities
- Provide non-discriminatory promotion and career growth
Government employers have additional responsibilities such as workplace accommodations and protection against demotion if disability occurs during service.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with the RPwD Act may result in:
- Fines starting at ₹10,000
- Repeat violations leading to fines up to ₹5,00,000
- Legal accountability for individuals and companies
- Criminal penalties for fraudulent disability claims or atrocities against persons with disabilities
The Act is now considered non-negotiable following directions from the Supreme Court, making accessibility enforcement stricter.
Where the Industry Is Heading
With continuous updates in accessibility rules and standards including digital, built environment, and sector-specific guidelines, India is moving toward mandatory accessibility across all services and platforms.
Organizations are expected to:
- Audit existing accessibility gaps
- Implement accessibility policies and plans
- Align with national standards within notified timelines
Early compliance reduces legal risk, enhances brand trust, expands user reach, and aligns with global practices.
How BarrierBreak Supports Compliance
BarrierBreak works with organizations to help them:
- Understand and interpret RPwD compliance requirements
- Audit digital platforms, documents, and ICT products
- Build accessibility-compliant environments and ecosystems
- Train teams to create and maintain accessible solutions
- Prepare policies, documentation, and implementation roadmaps
We partner with businesses across India in driving accessibility transformation, not just to meet legal requirements but to create inclusive digital and physical experiences for everyone.
Ready to Make Your Organization RPwD Accessible and Compliant?
BarrierBreak can help you get started with accessibility assessments, implementation, and compliance planning.
Connect with our team at BarrierBreak to begin your accessibility journey.