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In the digital age, where a single click can unlock endless possibilities and artificial intelligence can anticipate our every move, less than three percent of the global internet is accessible to persons with disabilities — and India is no exception. According to the 2024 annual report from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, only 676 out of 6,700 state and UT government websites meet accessibility standards, with just 476, or seven percent, currently live.
However, there is positive news on the horizon. The Ministry of Railways has launched www.rrbapply.gov.in via CSC, India’s first recruitment website designed to provide an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers. As one of the world’s largest employers, Indian Railways plays a pivotal role in job creation, particularly in rural and smaller-town communities, and this new platform aims to ensure that no one is left behind.
CSCs serve as access points for the delivery of Digital India services to rural and remote areas across the country, contributing towards the fulfillment of the Government’s vision of a digitally and financially inclusive society.
Key Features of the Accessible Railway Recruitment Website:
- Simple Navigation: The site’s structure includes clear labels, intuitive menus, and user-friendly navigation tools.
- Consistent Layout: Pages maintain a uniform layout, font, and icons, reducing cognitive strain and enhancing usability.
- Sufficient Contrast: High contrast between text and backgrounds ensures readability, with an added dark mode option for users sensitive to bright screens.
- Screen Reader Compatibility:
- Alt Text for Images: All images are accompanied by meaningful alternative text (alt text), allowing screen reader users to grasp the context.
- ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) Tags: ARIA landmarks guide screen readers through different sections of the page, such as navigation and forms.
- Assistive Technology Support: Forms are optimized for assistive technologies, such as voice-to-text and screen readers.
Speaking on the initiative, Sanjay Rakesh, MD and CEO of CSC SPV, emphasized, “Digital empowerment has always been a fundamental goal of CSC. The unavailability of accessible technology often marginalizes people with disabilities, resulting in poverty and reduced job prospects. This platform aims to improve employment opportunities in the railway sector for differently-abled individuals, especially in rural India, promoting greater empowerment.”
By embracing web accessibility, businesses can expand their market reach, improve search engine optimization (SEO) for greater visibility, enhance their brand reputation, and deliver a superior user experience, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction. Achieving digital accessibility is a shared responsibility that demands collective action. editor@ictpost.com
