With every passing day, our lives are getting more digital than before, with the widespread transformation to ‘digitization’ globally. And to keep up with the times there is a need to enable PwDs with the understanding of Digital Systems and technology as well.

Currently, people with disabilities frequently experience digital exclusion as they encounter many difficulties when it comes to being able to afford or access Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) and the Internet due to a myriad of factors.  

The digital transformation holds great promise for improving the lives of persons with disabilities, offering greater accessibility, independence and opportunities. However, it must be approached with a strong focus on inclusivity, accessibility and ethical considerations to ensure that it benefits all members of society.

Enhancing accessibility on digital platforms can create transformative effects on their daily lives. It will not only grant them equal access to information, services, and opportunities but also empower them to live more independently, participate fully in society, and reach their full potential. As I foresee its usage, is not only a matter of compliance with legal requirements but also a fundamental step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

Enhancing accessibility on digital platforms can have a profound and transformative impact in their daily lives in many ways:

1.      Equal Access to Information and Knowledge:

Accessible digital platforms can enable PwDs to access a wealth of information and knowledge available in the virtual world now, right from news articles to educational resources. This in my opinion can lead to lifelong learnings and empower individuals to stay abreast with latest developments and innovations happening in the disability sector globally.

2.      Access to Education and Employment Opportunities:

Accessible e-learning platforms and job application portals allow individuals with disabilities to pursue education and explore the job market online today due to many Apps and portals offering wide range of courses, skilling modules and employment opportunities. This can lead to personal their growth, economic independence and career advancements with the click of a button.

3.      Independence and Self-Reliance:

Accessible mobile apps, websites and assistive technologies can immensely boost the empowerment of PwDs, to perform everyday tasks independently. This includes managing finances, healthcare facilities, and shopping online and scheduling appointments, without any dependence on external support.

4.      Social Inclusion and Communication:

Digital accessibility can fully endorse that persons with disabilities can actively participate in online social networks and engage in virtual communication, reducing social isolation and strengthening personal relationships, which they generally face due to social prejudices that surround their daily lives.

5.      Access to Healthcare and Wellness:

With global digitization of almost all services including banking to healthcare, health records, telemedicine platforms and wellness apps can help PwDs manage their healthcare needs, schedule appointments and access critical medical information, from the comfort of their homes easily as per their needs.

6.      Navigation and Transportation:

Physical accessibility is the major challenge for PwDs due to non-accessible infrastructure including buildings, toilets, marketplaces, and inaccessible transportation facilities. Despite the targets set by GOI under its Accessible India Campaign, or the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan launched in 2015 the pace of its implementation has been very slow. As per the 23rd Report of Standing Committee (2021) of MSJE, hardly 29.7% of the buildings were made accessible, while only 63% websites were made accessible. Hence digital solutions can offer wide range of services which can reduce the physical barriers of PwDs.

Not only this, but the availability of accessible maps and transportation apps offer real-time information on public transit schedules, route planning, and navigation, making it easier for individuals with disabilities to move around independently.

7.      Civic Engagement and Advocacy:

Accessible websites and social media platforms provide a great platform for individuals with disabilities to engage in civic activities, advocate for their rights and participate in social/political discussions, access entertainment events and varied cultural experiences virtually.

Accessible streaming services, audiobooks and event websites can make cultural and recreational activities more accessible, allowing people with disabilities to enjoy entertainment and cultural experiences.

Emergency Alerts and Safety:

Digital platforms with accessibility features can ensure that individuals with disabilities receive crucial emergency alerts, helping them stay safe in times of crisis.

8.      Assistive Technologies and Innovation:

Improved digital accessibility can foster the development of innovative assistive technologies, such as improved screen readers, voice recognition software and tactile interfaces, which can further enhance the independence and capabilities of PwDs.

9.      Employment and Entrepreneurship:

Accessible digital platforms can enable PwDs to access online job opportunities, attend interviews, get offer letters virtually and also engage in entrepreneurial endeavors, promoting economic empowerment. A great example of such a portal is “Rozgarsarathi” – a unique portal free to access real-time job openings in both Private and Govt. Sectors.

For PwDs

10.  Legal Rights and Advocacy:

The push for digital accessibility has brought about increased awareness of the legal rights of people with disabilities. It can prompt advocacy efforts manifolds, to ensure adherence to accessibility standards and regulations.

Thus digital solutions can help serve many important objectives for PwDs to make their lives easier and simpler -

1. Reduce mobility challenges for PwDs and reduce the digital divide that exists for PwDs. 
2. Enhancing accessibility to services in remote areas especially in rural and peri-urban areas that lack real-time access to information.
3. Reduction in Physical barriers - All the digital solutions launched help the PwDs in reducing day-to-day physical barriers that they face including transportation, architecture, lack of assistive devices and technologies, etc.
4. Ease of accessing information and services and ensure free to use cost-effective means to utilize available resources, by the marginalized PwDs.
5. Doorstep availability of all disability-related information including Govt. schemes.
6. Getting skilled from the comfort of their homes.
7. Able to search and apply to jobs through a click of a button, with end-to-end offer letters through the portal.

Hence, being a Divyang myself, I perceive to see more digitally literate Divyangan, at par with the non-disabled populace in the coming days through digital transformation, to ensure they lead a life with full dignity and respect as any other citizen of our society. The need of the hour is to create, innovate, and provide easy-to-use, cheap, and affordable digital solutions for PwD communities to improve their lives.