In recent events, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has publicized draft guidelines for new accessibility standards. These standards demand that nearly all television channels incorporate captions or sign language into their programming. This step is taken to ensure that individuals with hearing impairments can understand television content more effectively. Prior to this, an agreement was made between the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to make NCERT textbooks accessible to hearing-impaired students via sign language.
Understanding Draft Guidelines
The draft is a part of the process to establish the “Accessibility Standards for Television Programmes for Hearing Impaired.” The objective of these standards is to make television content inclusive for those with hearing disabilities. These will be officially communicated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Almost all types of programming or content, including music shows, reality TV programs, advertisements, and teleshopping content will be expected to comply with these accessibility standards. However, there are certain exemptions. Live and deferred live content or events like sports, live music shows, award functions, reality shows, and channels with a very low audience share do not need to follow these standards.
Options for Service Providers
Service providers or broadcasters will be given the freedom to choose any one or more options from Closed Captioning, Subtitles, Open Captioning, and/or Sign Language. Open captions always remain visible and cannot be toggled off by the viewer. On the contrary, closed captions can be manipulated according to user preference. The responsibility to create content for these services lies with the creators. They then have to deliver this content to the relevant channels and broadcasters.
Previous Actions Supporting Hearing-Impaired Individuals
Sign language interpretations of addresses from high-profile figures such as the President of India on Independence Day and the Prime Minister’s address from the Red Fort on Independence Day have been featured by Doordarshan. Recently, private Satellite News TV channels have also been urged to broadcast a brief program on Independence Day celebrations, accompanied by corresponding sign language interpretation.
The Constitutional and Legal Framework for Disabled People
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution ensures that every individual has equality before the law and equal protection of the laws within India. This includes Persons with Disabilities who should have similar and equitable rights in the eyes of the Constitution.
India is a signatory to the UN Convention the Right of Persons with Disabilities which came into force in 2007. The convention views accessibility as a human right and necessitates signatories to adopt suitable measures to ensure access by persons with disabilities.
Accessible India Campaign and Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
The ‘Accessible India Campaign’ known also as Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, aims at providing universal access and equal opportunity for development to Persons with disabilities. It envisions significant changes to infrastructure, information, and communication systems.
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 was enacted by the Government of India. This is the primary comprehensive legislation pertaining to persons with disabilities. The Act outlines the responsibilities of the Central and State governments regarding services for persons with disabilities. It suggests creating a barrier-free environment by removing all discrimination against persons with disabilities, allowing them to partake in the benefits of societal development.
