a photo of workshop participant listening

A Step Towards Inclusive Digital Access

For individuals with visual impairments and intellectual disabilities in Nepal, accessing essential government services online has long been a challenge. Many government and institutional websites remain inaccessible, making it difficult for people with disabilities to obtain vital information. While the Accessible Physical Infrastructure and Communication Services Directive, 2069 mandates that all new public infrastructure and government websites must be accessible, implementation has been slow.

 

Until recently, none of the ministries in Bagmati Province had taken steps to make their websites universally accessible. This meant that people with visual impairments struggled to navigate them, while those with intellectual disabilities faced difficulties due to the lack of simplified content, larger fonts, and visual aids.

Recognizing this gap, the National Federation of the Disabled, Nepal (NFDN) launched an initiative under its “Include Us” project in Bagmati Province. In 2022, NFDN conducted a three-day website accessibility testing training, bringing together architects, engineers, information officers, media personnel, and representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). The training raised awareness about the need for inclusive digital access and equipped participants with the skills to identify and address accessibility barriers.

“Before this training, we never realized how difficult it was for blind users to access information online. Simple changes can make a huge difference,” shared an information officer from Bagmati Province.

Following the training, NFDN submitted a formal proposal to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, advocating for website testing and updates. Through multiple follow-up meetings and advocacy efforts, the Federation successfully secured NPR 1 million (10 lakh) in funding for FY 2080/81 to improve website accessibility.

discussions with NFDN representatives, government officials, and visually impaired website users to develop a Terms of Reference (TOR)

The Ministry took action, organizing discussions with NFDN representatives, government officials, and visually impaired website users to develop a Terms of Reference (TOR) for the testing and updating process. As a result, the Ministry’s website was tested for accessibility and updated accordingly. Visually impaired users later provided feedback on the improvements, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards digital inclusivity.

This small change opens up a world of information for us. Visually impaired users in Bagmati Province now find it easier to navigate the Ministry’s website.

The Road Ahead

While this achievement is promising, there is still much work to be done. NFDN remains committed to advocating for universal website accessibility across all ministries and local government bodies in Bagmati Province. It also plans to provide technical support to ensure sustained progress.

This is just the beginning. With continued advocacy and collaboration, the hope is that all government websites will eventually be fully accessible, ensuring equal digital access for everyone.