Pune

December 3, 2025

A developer-focused session on Digital Accessibility was organized at C-DAC Pune to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities and to raise awareness on creating inclusive digital experiences among members.

The discussions highlighted how persons with disabilities use ICT, addressed common myths, and outlined key accessibility standards and regulations in India. The session also introduced accessibilityenabling technologies, localization practices, and included hands-on exercises with the SATYA testing tool. Participants were encouraged to start integrating accessibility into their projects, with the assurance of complete guidance and support. Additionally, colleagues with blindness and locomotor disabilities shared first-hand accounts of the challenges they encounter in both personal and professional settings.

December 3rd is observed globally as the "International Day of Persons with Disabilities," an initiative promoted by the United Nations. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the need to build a world where technology empowers everyone, regardless of ability.With the momentum of Digital India, ensuring digital accessibility has become essential, as it guarantees equal opportunities for everyone to engage, participate, and benefit from the digital revolutionupholding the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India.

India's commitment to the cause is evident in its leadershipbeing the first country to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and later enacting The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 to fulfil its obligations under the Convention.

C-DAC has been at the forefront of advancing Digital Accessibility in the country. Our key contributions to the development of IS 17802 - the Indian Accessibility Standards (Part 1 and Part 2), in collaboration with MeitY, BIS, STQC, and other stakeholders, reflect our dedication to meeting national mandates while aligning with global best practices.

The Indian ICT Accessibility Standards - IS 17802 Part 1 (Requirements) and Part 2 (Determination of Conformance) were published by BIS and subsequently made mandatory through a notification issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Rules, 2023. Since then, persons with disabilities and advocacy groups have filed several petitions against digital service providers and government bodies, seeking judicial intervention to address persistent accessibility barriers and ensure compliance.