According to a report, what gaps in accessibility for people with disabilities were exposed at Indian courts
A report by the Supreme Court (SC) exposed severe gaps in accessibility for people with disabilities at courts across India.
- Lack of ramps and accessible pathways: The report highlighted that many court buildings in India do not have ramps or accessible pathways for people with mobility disabilities. This makes it difficult for them to enter and navigate within the premises.
- Absence of wheelchair accessibility: The report revealed that most courtrooms lack wheelchair accessibility. This hinders individuals with mobility disabilities from participating fully in court proceedings and accessing justice.
- Inadequate signage and wayfinding: The report noted the absence of clear signage and wayfinding systems for people with visual impairments. This creates barriers for them in finding their way around court buildings.
- Lack of accessible restroom facilities: Many court buildings lack accessible restroom facilities for people with disabilities. This poses significant challenges for individuals with mobility disabilities or other disabilities that require specialized facilities.
- No provision for assistive technologies: The report highlighted the absence of assistive technologies like hearing loops or captioning devices in courtrooms, making it difficult for individuals with hearing impairments to understand and engage in court proceedings.
- Insufficient training for court staff: The report pointed out the lack of awareness and training among court staff regarding disability rights and accommodations. This results in inadequate support and interaction with individuals with disabilities.
- Limited availability of accessible information: The report highlighted the lack of provision for accessible information formats, such as braille documents or electronic formats, which affects individuals with visual impairments or print disabilities.
- Inaccessible court websites: The report noted that many court websites are not accessible for individuals with disabilities, such as those using screen readers or assistive technologies, limiting their ability to access legal information online.
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