Dear Access India Members,
I’m Swagat. I am writing to seek your valuable inputs and suggestions regarding an important accessibility issue that I have encountered in the *Divyangjan Railway Application*. While attempting to log in to the application, I encountered a CAPTCHA that is presented in image format. As a screen reader user, I am unable to independently identify and complete the CAPTCHA. This creates a significant accessibility barrier and prevents blind and visually impaired users from accessing the application and its services independently. CAPTCHAs are generally implemented as a security measure to distinguish genuine users from automated systems. However, when a CAPTCHA is provided only as an inaccessible image without an equivalent accessible alternative, it can prevent screen reader users from completing the login or registration process. This forces users to depend on sighted assistance, which compromises both independence and equal access to digital services. I believe this issue should be brought to the attention of the concerned authorities through a formal representation. Therefore, I am planning to write a formal letter to the *Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS)* regarding the accessibility of the Divyangjan Railway Application and request them to provide an accessible solution. A suitable solution could include an accessible CAPTCHA mechanism, such as an audio CAPTCHA that works properly with screen readers, or an alternative authentication and verification mechanism that allows blind and visually impaired users to complete the process independently and securely. Before submitting the formal letter, I would greatly appreciate your valuable suggestions, experiences, and technical inputs. In particular, I would like your guidance on the following: 1. What accessibility standards and guidelines should be referred to while raising this concern? 2. What specific recommendations should be made to CRIS regarding CAPTCHA accessibility? 3. What accessibility requirements applicable in India should be mentioned in the formal representation? 4. What accessible alternatives to image-based CAPTCHA would be appropriate for blind and visually impaired users? 5. Are there any additional accessibility barriers in the Divyangjan Railway Application that should be highlighted? 6. Would it be appropriate to recommend an accessibility audit of the application and website to identify and resolve other potential barriers? I believe that resolving this issue is important not only for me but also for many other blind and visually impaired users who may encounter the same barrier while trying to access railway-related digital services. The objective is to ensure that persons with disabilities can use the Divyangjan Railway Application *independently, securely, and with equal access*, without having to depend on another person simply to complete an inaccessible CAPTCHA. I kindly request all Access India members to share your valuable suggestions, technical recommendations, and experiences regarding this issue. Your inputs will help me prepare a stronger, more effective, and technically appropriate formal representation to the concerned authorities. Thank you for your time, support, and continued efforts towards promoting digital 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/CAMufbjvsFKjEmcRUEGqGOD%3D7iZ57ejFaeeGPYx0gAUtM6kDK%2BQ%40mail.gmail.com.
