As India races towards a digital-first approach, accessibility of digital platforms including the website and mobile applications is becoming a primary concern. As per the court order, the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has made it mandatory for businesses in India to ensure that their websites, mobile applications and other digital platforms go through an accessibility audit before 5th February 2025. Failing to adhere to the same, will be penalized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) 2016.
In today’s digital landscape, ensuring accessibility goes beyond compliance; it’s about ensuring an inclusive experience. With over 1.3 billion people living with disabilities across the globe, including the 100 million in the country, the February 2025 mandate is a clear signal that businesses in India cannot overlook accessibility anymore.
The Court of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) is championing accessibility and in its recent order has imposed penalties on ministries & departments of Government of India and private entities that have not made their digital platforms accessible. A penalty of ₹10,000 each on all respondent establishments which have not compiled with the mandatory accessibility standards. After 28th February, a fresh review will be undertaken and all respondent establishments which continue to remain non-compliant shall be imposed with a higher level of fine in terms of the provisions of Section 89 of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016
How BarrierBreak Can Help You Lead the Way?
At BarrierBreak, we take immense pride in being the pioneers of accessibility in India. For over two decades, we have been at the forefront of the digital accessibility movement, turning the concept of digital inclusion into a reality. As an instrumental member of the drafting committee for the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW), and the National Policy on Electronic Accessibility & Accessibility, BarrierBreak has an in-depth understanding of the Indian government policies and mandates.
Why Choose BarrierBreak as your Accessibility Partner?
- Pioneers in Digital Accessibility in India with a team strength of 270+ accessibility experts.
- Years of unparalleled expertise in assisting Indian & Global companies to navigate accessibility compliance requirements and offer solutions that are aligned to your business objectives.
- Accessibility audit conducted by experts and native screen readers with excellent knowledge of WCAG, GIGW and other global accessibility standards.
- Successful collaboration with several organizations assisting them to enhance their digital footprint and attain compliance.
- Conduct accessibility testing using a combination of both manual and automated testing to identify and address accessibility barriers effectively.
- Member of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and International Association of Accessibility Professions (IAAP).
Time to Act!
Take the first step towards accessibility now, not only to ensure meeting regulatory requirements but also to show your commitment towards digital transformation and social responsibility. At BarrierBreak, we do not consider accessibility as a checklist item but rather an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the digital ecosystem. Are you ready to make your digital platforms accessible? Get in touch with us today to help you get started on this journey.