DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENTSCentral

Section 42 of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

The appropriate Government shall take measures to ensure that,—

(i)all contents available in audio, print and electronic media are in accessible format;
(ii)persons with disabilities have access to electronic media by providing audio description, sign language interpretation and close captioning;
(iii)electronic goods and equipment which are meant for every day use are available in universal design.

Summary

The government must make sure all audio, print, and electronic media are in formats everyone can use.
People with disabilities must have access to electronic media through specific tools.
This includes providing audio descriptions, sign language, and captions for digital content.
Electronic goods used every day should follow universal design, meaning they work for everyone without needing special changes.

Practical examples

1Anjali is blind and wants to read a new government report. Under the disability law, the department provides a version compatible with her screen reading software on October 12, 2023.

2A TV station starts including a sign language interpreter for the evening news so that Vikram, who is deaf, can follow the local events.

FAQ

1. Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, cover websites?

Yes, Section 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, requires that contents in electronic media be in an accessible format for everyone.

2. What are universal design goods in the 2016 Act?

Under Section 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, these are everyday electronic items designed to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible.

3. How does the disability law handle television for the hearing impaired?

Section 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, mandates that electronic media provide sign language interpretation and close captioning.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which feature must be provided for access to electronic media?

Q2.According to Section 42 of the 2016 Disability Act, everyday electronic goods should follow what design principle?

Q3.Which type of media is NOT specifically mentioned as needing to be accessible under Section 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016?

Q4.Under Section 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, what must be provided for blind users in electronic media?

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