Write a formal communication to CRIS.
On 8/18/2026 8:03 AM, Swagat Waghmare wrote:
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,
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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]/
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