Accessibility-Friendly Tool Added to Government Websites
The Ministry of Information and Communications has stated that accessibility-friendly tools have been included on government agency websites to make them easier and more inclusive for all citizens.
Point No. 30 of the 100-point agenda on governance reform made public by the government had stated that government apps and portals would be simplified so that people with disabilities and citizens with limited technical knowledge could also use them. The secretariat of Minister for Information and Communications Dr. Bikram Timilsina has stated that this facility has been implemented to ensure equal access for all citizens to digital services and to make the right of persons with disabilities to receive information more effective.
According to Prakash Dawadi, Information Officer at the Department of Information Technology, accessibility-friendly tools have been placed on all government websites so that blind persons, people with low vision, people with difficulty identifying colors, people with reading-related difficulties, senior citizens, and users with diverse needs can use government website content easily.
At present, after opening a government website, an “accessibility tool icon” can be found at the bottom center. Through this, users can adjust the website’s appearance and content according to their needs. Facilities have been included to increase or decrease font size, increase the contrast between website letters and words and the background, use different color filters, adjust spacing between letters and lines, and choose fonts.
The department has stated that, to make website use easier, facilities have also been included to make the “mouse cursor” smaller or larger, hide all images on the website so that only text can be read, and stop moving visuals and animations.
According to the department, the website, developed in line with the international standard “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines” (WCAG), can also be operated using only a keyboard. The “skip navigation” link placed on government websites will help keyboard and screen reader users go directly to the main content.
The ministry has stated that the “alt text” placed on important tables, logos, and service-related content will make it easier for blind users to understand the content. Similarly, the websites have been prepared so that error messages and suggestions that appear while filling out forms can also be easily heard and understood.
It has been stated that clear names and indicators have been placed in “input” areas such as search and contact forms, making them easier for “screen reader” users. Keyboard users will be able to clearly know where they are on the website.
Earlier, in Baisakh, the department had provided training on updating the government integrated website management system operated with disability-friendly facilities. The ministry has stated that the training was conducted for employees of various ministries and departments.
