India’s Accessibility Rules to Transform Daily Products for Disabled

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment released draft accessibility standards for everyday products, aiming to ensure barrier-free access for persons with disabilities in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and Supreme Court directives. Anchored in the globally recognized POUR framework (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust), the guidelines cover 20 product categories, including kitchenware, furniture, grooming items, childcare products, medical supplies, lifts, and self-service kiosks.

These standards mandate universal design principles, such as equitable use, intuitive functionality, error tolerance, minimal physical effort, and adequate space for wheelchair users, incorporating features like braille, tactile symbols, high-contrast text, and voice-operated interfaces.

The draft specifies practical adaptations across product types: kitchenware and food packaging must feature easy-to-grip designs, resealable packaging, and braille labels; grooming products and adaptive clothing require textured packaging, Velcro or magnetic closures, and non-slip soles; home accessibility solutions include ramps, grab bars, and height-adjustable furniture; childcare products like strollers and toys must be inclusive; and medical supplies need braille packaging and ergonomic designs. Lifts, ATMs, and kiosks are to include wide doors, tactile buttons, audio announcements, and screen-reader-compatible interfaces.

To address cognitive and sensory disabilities, products must offer large-print labels, simplified instructions, and auditory signals, while digital components should support screen readers and alternative input devices. Manufacturers are encouraged to integrate smart technologies, such as voice-activated appliances and QR code-based auditory guidance, without significantly increasing costs.

To ensure compliance, the draft proposes mandatory accessibility testing by accredited bodies, with products rated from Level A to AAA and certifications requiring periodic renewal. A robust monitoring framework, leveraging AI-driven systems and information sharing, will enforce standards through incentives like GST breaks and subsidies, alongside penalties such as fines and product recalls for violations.

Emphasizing collaborative development, the guidelines require manufacturers to involve persons with disabilities in design and feedback processes. Aligned with Indian Standards (BIS), the National Building Code, and global norms like the ADA and ISO, these standards support India’s Accessible India Campaign, promising a transformative step toward inclusivity and affordability in everyday product design.

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