Advocacy with the Information and Technology Department to make Government Websites Accessible for persons with Disabilities

Conducted on 23 January 2025 

Access Planet Organization, in partnership with the Legal Empowerment Fund (LEF), held an advocacy meeting with the Information and Technology Department in Gairigaun, Tinkune, Kathmandu. The discussion focused on digital accessibility challenges in government websites, which lack disability-friendly features, restricting access for individuals with disabilities.

Objectives:

• Inform government officials about the barriers persons with disabilities face while accessing online government services
• Advocate for the adoption of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure compliance with global digital accessibility standards
• Secure a formal commitment from government authorities to implement accessibility measures in all public-sector digital platforms.
• Establish a working partnership between the Information and Technology Department and Access Planet Organization to improve website accessibility.

Key Participants:

• Mr. Ramesh Sharma Poudyal—Director General, Information and Technology Department
• Mr. Chandra Shekhar—Computer Engineer
• Ms. Laxmi Nepal—Executive Director, Access Planet Organization
• Ms. Ranjita Shrestha- Program Officer, Access Planet Organization

During the meeting, Access Planet highlighted the need for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) compliance and submitted an attention letter to the department’s Director General, Mr. Ramesh Sharma Poudyal. In response, the department expressed commitment to improving accessibility and invited technical collaboration to enhance government websites. This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring digital inclusion for persons with disabilities in Nepal.

Outcomes 

• Government officials acknowledged the importance of accessibility and expressed readiness to take necessary actions.
• Access Planet Organization has been invited to assist in improving website accessibility
• Steps will be taken to ensure government websites align with WCAG guidelines.