National Inclusion Commission: Are We Truly Inclusive in the Digital Age?

Introduction

The Nepali Constitution, despite its progressive provisions for marginalized groups, falls short of providing dedicated attention to the distinct needs of persons with disabilities. Instead, the National Inclusion Commission (NIC) bears the responsibility of addressing the concerns of multiple marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities. This raises an essential question: Is the NIC itself truly inclusive, particularly in terms of digital accessibility?

Main Item

Prayatna Nepal's recent audit of public websites and mobile applications, outlined in their position paper "Prioritizing Digital Accessibility for Inclusive Development," sheds light on significant barriers to accessibility in the NIC's digital platforms. This audit assessed 20 public websites and 10 mobile applications, including those of the NIC, revealing critical shortcomings that hinder the engagement of persons with disabilities in accessing the Commission's online resources.

Key Accessibility Barriers on the NIC's Website

The audit highlights several accessibility issues on the NIC's digital platforms, presenting an obstacle for persons with disabilities who rely on assistive technologies or alternative methods to navigate websites. Some of the primary issues identified include:

1. Lack of Bypass Mechanisms for Repetitive Content: Users dependent on keyboard navigation must repeatedly pass through identical blocks of content, creating unnecessary difficulty in accessing primary information.

2. Limited Navigation Options: The NIC's website contains numerous pages, yet lacks efficient mechanisms for locating them, leading to confusion for all users, particularly those with disabilities.

3. Absence of Alternative Text (Alt Text) for Images: Without meaningful alt text for images, screen reader users miss out on critical information conveyed through visuals, limiting their understanding of the content.

4. Poor Use of Landmarks: Landmarks, essential for guiding screen reader users to key content, are either missing or not used logically, impeding efficient navigation.

5. Inadequate Color Contrast: The website's poor color contrast ratio makes it difficult for individuals with low vision or color blindness to read and comprehend the content.

6. No Control Over Moving Content: Slideshow content on the site moves automatically without offering users control, creating challenges for those with visual, hearing, cognitive, or other disabilities.

7. Unclear Link Text: Generic link phrases like "read more" fail to provide specific information, confusing screen reader users who rely on detailed link descriptions.

8. Errors in Forms Not Announced: Forms fail to announce errors to screen reader users, except for email fields, resulting in confusion and failed submissions.

9. Inaccessible Dialog Boxes and Keyboard Navigation Issues: Certain dialog boxes are not operable via keyboard, excluding users who rely on keyboard navigation from closing or interacting with them.

These challenges expose a fundamental disconnect between the NIC's mission of inclusion and the actual accessibility of its digital platforms. For the NIC to truly champion inclusivity in Nepal, it must first address the limitations of its own online infrastructure.

As digital platforms become the primary gateway for accessing public services and engaging with government initiatives, excluding persons with disabilities from these spaces amounts to denying their basic rights. Therefore, it is imperative that the NIC and other public institutions prioritize digital inclusivity.

The NIC, as a body entrusted with advocating for marginalized groups, bears an inherent responsibility to ensure that its digital resources are accessible to all. Failure to do so not only undermines its mission but also perpetuates the systemic exclusion of persons with disabilities. In much the same way that physical spaces must be accessible to all citizens, digital spaces must also reflect a commitment to inclusivity.

The Social and Moral Imperative of Digital Accessibility

Digital accessibility is not merely a technical concern; it is a social and moral obligation. The NIC's commitment to the rights, dignity, and inclusion of all citizens, particularly persons with disabilities, must be evident in its online presence. By providing accessible digital platforms, the NIC can empower marginalized communities by giving them equal access to information, services, and opportunities.

Inaccessible digital platforms deny persons with disabilities the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the NIC's initiatives, understand their rights, or access critical public services. The exclusion caused by inaccessible digital spaces directly contradicts the NIC's mandate to promote equality and inclusion. Therefore, the responsibility to ensure accessible digital platforms extends beyond mere compliance with legal standards-it is a matter of social justice.

In summing up, the National Inclusion Commission stands at a critical juncture where it can transform digital accessibility from an overlooked challenge into a cornerstone of inclusion. The gaps identified by Prayatna Nepal are not just inconveniences-they are systemic barriers that deny persons with disabilities their fundamental rights. By urgently addressing these issues, the NIC can not only correct these inequities but also ignite a nationwide shift towards inclusivity. This is an opportunity for the NIC to lead with bold action, ensuring that Nepal's digital landscape is truly accessible to all.

Digital Accessibility: A Right for All, Not Just a Privilege: This article delves into specific barriers identified, offering practical recommendations based on global best practices to ensure digital platforms in Nepal are accessible to all.

Author Credentials:
Jalasa Sapkota is a visually impaired writer, researcher, and advocate for disability inclusion. With a background as a former Research Assistant at Diverse Patterns Limited and now as a Resource Person for the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment's (ICEVI) Gender Equality and Women's Rights Task Group, she has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities. Visit Jalasa's biography for comprehensive insights into her background, expertise, and accomplishments.