KATHMANDU, June 12: The government has launched a special initiative to make websites of all government bodies inclusive and accessible for all citizens.
The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has introduced an “accessibility tool” across government websites nationwide, ensuring easier digital access for persons with disabilities and those with special needs.
People who are visually impaired, have low vision, color blindness, reading difficulties, and senior citizens will now be able to use government website content more easily.
According to DoIT Information Officer Prakash Dawadi, the initiative has been implemented to ensure effective access to information as a fundamental right of citizens and to reduce the digital divide.
The government had included this commitment under point number 30 of its “100-point Governance Reform Action Plan” announced in March , which aims to make government apps and portals simple enough for persons with disabilities and those with low technical knowledge.
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Following this commitment, the DoIT has implemented the system. Currently, government websites display an “accessibility tool icon” at the bottom center of the screen when opened.
Through this feature, users can instantly adjust the website’s appearance and content according to their needs. These include options to increase or decrease text size and enhance contrast between text and background for better readability.
In addition, users can apply different color filters, adjust spacing between letters and lines, and choose fonts according to their preference. For easier navigation, features such as enlarging the mouse cursor, hiding all images to display only text, and disabling animations and moving visuals have also been included.
According to the department, these websites are developed in line with the international standard Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
This ensures that even users who cannot use a mouse can operate the websites using only a keyboard. The “skip navigation” link allows keyboard and screen reader users to directly access the main content.
For visually impaired users, important images, logos, and service-related content include “alt text,” which can be read aloud.
Error messages and instructions during online form submission have also been designed to be easily audible and understandable.
Input fields such as search boxes and contact forms now include clear labels and indicators, reducing confusion for screen reader users about what information to enter.
Keyboard users can clearly see which section of the website they are currently active on through a “focus indicator” system.
Earlier, in the month of Baisakh (April/May), the DoIT also conducted a specialized technical training for employees of various ministries and departments on making the integrated government website management system accessible for persons with disabilities.
With this new system in place, the DoIT believes no citizen will be left behind in accessing government information and services.
