Activists term situation ‘unfortunate’
The three-year action agenda document recently released by NITI Aayog is inaccessible to the visually impaired and those who use assistive technology for reading, say activists.
The plan proposes several policy changes for short-term implementation in India, and covers sectors such as agriculture, industry and manufacturing.
Beyond reach
The document available on the organisation’s website, however, is inaccessible to many.
“The document is inaccessible to the visually impaired and those who use assistive technology for reading,” said Ankit Rajiv Jindal, co-founder and director of Diversity and Equal Opportunity Center, a social enterprise working in the field of disability.
He said that although the text appeared to be in English for a sighted reader, it was not recognisable when read using assistive technology.
‘Complex maze’
“The first couple of paragraphs appear to be normal. However, as we scroll downwards, the document turns into a maze of question marks and illogical letters,” said Mr. Jindal, who is himself visually impaired.
Further, the document is not appropriately tagged, due to which users cannot navigate using commands for headings, tables, etc. , Mr. Jindal said.
He said it was unfortunate that the document was beyond the reach of the differently-abled, even though the plan impacted every citizen of India.
“The action plan is the first major document to released by the government after the enforcement of the New Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016, which emphasises on easy accessibility to information,’’ he said.
‘Checks imperative’
Mr. Jindal, who is also an active member of the National Committee for the Rights of Persons with Disability, said it was imperative that NITI Aayog immediately take corrective steps.
He also said that the organisation should check every document for accessibility before releasing it.
“We hope for a speedy resolution soon,’’ he added.
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