Digital Accessibility: A Right for All, Not Just a Privilege
Topic: Website Accessibility
Author: Jalasa Sapkota
Published: 2024/10/01
Publication Type: Informative
Contents: Summary – Introduction – Main Item – Related Topics
Synopsis: This article delves into specific barriers identified, offering practical recommendations based on global best practices to ensure digital platforms in Nepal are accessible to all. many public websites fail to meet established accessibility standards, leaving persons with disabilities excluded from vital information and services. This digital divide not only reinforces existing social inequalities but also deprives many individuals of their basic rights.
Why it matters: This article highlights the critical importance of digital accessibility, particularly in Nepal, where many public websites fail to meet established accessibility standards. It discusses the findings of an audit conducted by Prayatna Nepal, which revealed numerous barriers preventing persons with disabilities from accessing vital information and services online. The article outlines four key principles of accessibility – perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust – and identifies major challenges in Nepali public websites, such as poor navigation design, illogical heading structures, and lack of captions for multimedia content. It provides practical recommendations for improving digital accessibility, including technical solutions and stakeholder engagement strategies. The article emphasizes that digital [...]