Dear Access India Members, I am Swagat,
a screen reader user with visual impairment. I am writing to bring to your attention an important accessibility issue that I am facing while using the Divyangjan Railway application. Accessibility Issue While attempting to log in to or apply through the Divyangjan Railway application, I am required to complete a CAPTCHA. However, the CAPTCHA is presented only in an image-based format. As a screen reader user, I am unable to perceive the characters displayed in the CAPTCHA image. Consequently, I am unable to complete the CAPTCHA independently and proceed with the application or login process. This creates a significant accessibility barrier because the CAPTCHA is effectively preventing a visually impaired user from independently accessing an essential railway service. Recommended Accessibility Solutions I kindly request that the concerned authority consider implementing one or more of the following accessible alternatives: 1. *Audio CAPTCHA:* Provide an audio CAPTCHA that reads the characters aloud so that screen reader and visually impaired users can enter the required information independently. 2. *Accessible CAPTCHA with Screen Reader Support:* The CAPTCHA mechanism should be compatible with screen readers such as NVDA and JAWS and should allow users to complete the verification using keyboard navigation. 3. *Alternative Non-Visual Verification:* Provide an alternative verification method that does not depend on recognizing characters from an image. For example, an accessible OTP-based or other secure human-verification mechanism could be considered where appropriate. 4. *Keyboard Accessibility:* All CAPTCHA controls, including the CAPTCHA input field, refresh button, audio option, and verification controls, should be completely operable using the keyboard and should have meaningful accessible names and instructions. 5. *Accessible Error Messages:* If the CAPTCHA is entered incorrectly or expires, the error message should be clearly announced to screen readers, and the user should be able to request a new CAPTCHA without losing the information already entered in the application. 6. *Independent Access:* The overall login and application process should be designed so that a person with visual impairment can complete it independently without requiring assistance from a sighted person. *Accessibility Standards* I would also like to highlight that the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites and Apps (GIGW) specifically address CAPTCHA accessibility. They recommend providing alternative forms of CAPTCHA using different sensory output modes to accommodate people with disabilities. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities also states that government websites should be made accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites. Therefore, I request Access India to kindly look into this issue and, if possible, raise it with the concerned authority or railway department so that an accessible solution can be provided. I would be grateful if you could also guide me regarding the appropriate process for reporting this accessibility barrier and obtaining an accessible alternative in the meantime. I hope this issue will be considered seriously, as accessibility is essential for ensuring that persons with visual disabilities can independently access public services. Thank you for your time, support, and commitment towards accessibility and inclusion. Regards, Swagat, -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAMufbjv-brPizqAB50XaJUJMjzm1MEr6OvGjUbNuJKML65F_YA%40mail.gmail.com.
