Accessibility tools in all govt websites

KATHMANDU: The Government has introduced accessibility tools across all official websites to make digital services easier to use for citizens, including persons with disabilities and those with limited technical knowledge.

According to Information Officer Prakash Dawadi at the Department of Information Technology, features have been integrated to support users who are visually impaired, have low vision, color perception difficulties, reading challenges, senior citizens, and other special needs users.

The initiative ensures that government websites are more user-friendly and inclusive for all.

The move aligns with point number 30 of the government’s 100-point governance reform action plan announced in Chaitra, which emphasizes simplifying government apps and portals so they can be easily used by persons with disabilities and digitally less experienced citizens.

Once a government website is opened, an accessibility tool icon appears at the lower middle section of the page. Through this feature, users can adjust the website layout and content according to their needs.

These options include increasing or decreasing text size, enhancing contrast between text and background, and improving overall readability.

Additional features include color filters, adjustable spacing between letters and lines, and font selection options. Users can also customize the cursor size, hide images to view text-only content, and disable animations or moving visuals for a simpler browsing experience.

Officials stated that the websites are developed in compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), an internationally recognized standard. They are also fully operable using keyboard navigation alone.

Features such as “skip navigation” links help keyboard and screen reader users directly access main content, while “alt text” for images, logos, and service-related visuals ensures better understanding for visually impaired users.

Similarly, error messages and form instructions have been designed to be clearly readable and compatible with screen readers.

Input fields such as search and contact forms now include clear labels and indicators, improving navigation for users relying on assistive technologies.

The department also noted that users can easily track their location on the website when navigating via keyboard, further improving usability.

Earlier in Baisakh, the department conducted training sessions for officials from various ministries and departments to update and improve the government’s integrated web management system with disability-friendly features.