The last draft which is available infact talks about programmes and services also. You are right about microwaves etc., once the policy is in force, all this will be covered. If I read the language of the last draft in broad sense, then it should ideally also cover the websites. Do not forget that Govt. has its own set of guidelines for web accessibility.
I spoke to Dept. Officials yesterday, to see if the copy can be procured. I will keep you posted on this. At this stage unless research has already been done in this area by NGOs, we will not see big changes coming quickly once the policy comes out. Because as far as Indian Government is concerned, they will mainly conduct researches, and an institution will be established to seek that the objectives of this policy are achieved. It will take its own time to see the kind of things all are waiting for. Further, how far this will have the binding effect especially on private players, given the fact that these are executive instructions and also how it is worded, is also something to be seen. (Think legally the effect of a policy when compared to a law). I have not gone through the last draft of the new bill on disability law, so I don't know what provisions exist in that bill as regards accessibility. It is welcome step because till date we in India have nothing of this sort even on papers. And if I am right, not only NGOs, even the MNCs like Microsoft have been supporting for this policy. Meetings in this regard were being conducted even during 2009 or before. Regards -- Amar Jain. Website: www.amarjain.com Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ To unsubscribe send a message to [email protected] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in 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..
