Building for All: How Accessible Is Your Website and Application?

In India, accessibility is no longer just a matter of corporate social responsibility, it is a statutory obligation. In recent years, courts and regulators have begun closely examining whether websites and mobile applications are accessible to persons with disabilities (“PwDs”). Well-known technology platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Rapido, and Practo have been directed to address accessibility gaps, highlighting the growing importance of compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (“RPwD Act”) and its allied rules.

The Legal Framework: Rights-Based Accessibility

The RPwD Act, 2016 adopts a rights-based approach to disability, moving away from the older welfare model. Under the Act, every private and public organization has a duty to ensure equal access and opportunity for PwDs. This includes adopting and publishing an Equal Opportunity Policy, registering it with the office of the Chief or State Commissioner for PwDs, and displaying it prominently on the company’s website or at the workplace.

In May 2023, the Government of India strengthened the compliance framework by amending the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017. These amendments made it explicit that all private sector entities must ensure their websites, mobile apps, and digital platforms are accessible to PwDs.

Technical Standards: Indian Standard IS 17802

To support digital accessibility, the Bureau of Indian Standards introduced IS 17802:

(a)   Part 1 sets out technical accessibility requirements for digital platforms, addressing visual, hearing, speech, motor, cognitive, and neurological disabilities.

(b)   Part 2 provides a framework for creating an Accessibility Conformance Report, enabling businesses to evaluate and demonstrate their compliance.

Together, these standards act as a roadmap for organizations to build inclusive digital products.

What Accessibility Looks Like in Practice

Accessibility is not an abstract idea as it translates into specific features that make digital platforms usable for everyone. For instance:

(a)   Compatibility with screen readers for visually impaired users.

(b)   Alt-text descriptions for images and videos.

(c)   Keyboard navigation for users with motor disabilities.

(d)   High-contrast display options for persons with low vision.

(e)   Clear focus indicators and consistent layouts to aid cognitive ease.

(f)    Seamless support for assistive technologies such as braille displays and voice input tools.

Implementing these features not only ensures compliance but also broadens the platform’s user base.

The Compliance Roadmap for Businesses

Organizations should approach accessibility as a structured process:

(a)   Conduct an accessibility audit of all digital platforms.

(b)   Identify existing gaps and benchmark against IS 17802.

(c)   Develop and implement a phased action plan to fix deficiencies.

(d)   Prioritize essential features such as screen reader support, alt-text, and keyboard navigation.

(e)   Integrate accessibility into the product lifecycle from design to testing.

(f)    Use Part 2 of IS 17802 to prepare an Accessibility Conformance Report and regularly track progress.

This ensures that accessibility is embedded into organizational culture, not treated as a one-time exercise.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the RPwD Act carries both legal and reputational risks. Legally, penalties start from INR 10,000 for the first violation and can go up to INR 5,00,000 for subsequent offences. Beyond fines, companies risk litigation, regulatory scrutiny, and being barred from government contracts. Reputationally, non-compliance signals exclusion, eroding user trust and alienating a large segment of potential customers.

The Way Forward

For startups and growing businesses, accessibility should not be treated as an after thought. The law makes no exception for size or stage, and the risks of non-compliances, from fines to reputational damage, can be severe. More importantly, inclusive digital design is a growth driver: it broadens your customer base, improves user experience, and signals responsibility to investors, partners, and consumers alike.

With the RPwD Act, 2016, its rules, and the IS 17802 standards now firmly in place, the question is no longer whether your digital platforms must be accessible, but how quickly you can get there. Startups that build accessibility into their design and compliance strategy from day one will not only avoid legal pitfalls but also set themselves apart in a competitive market.

Now is the time to review your digital platforms, assess compliance gaps, and create a roadmap toward full accessibility. Doing so positions your business as inclusive, future-ready, and aligned with the law while staying ahead of regulatory scrutiny and market expectations.