Dictionary definition of accessibility – “Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities.[1] The concept of accessible design ensures both “direct access” (i.e. unassisted) and “indirect access” meaning compatibility with a person’s assistive technology”
In simpler terms – it is ensuring your environment both built and web are designed and maintained in such a way that a disable person can independently use them like any able person with the help of his/her assistive aids.The domain of accessibility is at a nascent stage in India, but thanks to the Government of India intitaive AIC – “Accessibility India Campaign” we are very soon going to see major progress being made.
At the international level, accessibility is popular and a lot of progress has been achieved with people fighting and achieving their rights by bringing in laws and Government Acts. The success was however not overnight. After many successful demonstrations, patient fights, both inside and outside the Parliament, they have earned what’s their due, what’s their right.
America is leading the world in providing strict guidelines in the form of ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act. Many European countries also actively support accessibility and now it’s the turn of Asian countries to join them in making them the world more accessible for one and all.