Accessibility Guidelines Across Multiple Sectors for Persons with Disabilities

Who frames rules/guidelines for the disabled?

Under the provision of Section 40 of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Commissioner formulate rules for persons with disabilities laying down the standards of accessibility for the physical environment, transportation, information and communication, including appropriate technologies and systems and other facilities and services provided to the public in urban and rural areas.

Under this provision, 20 ministries are involved in making Accessibility guidelines/standards for their respective sector. The formulations of these guidelines/standards are regularly monitored by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Accessibiltiy Standards/Guidelines

Standards/Guidelines notified under the Rights for Persons with Disabilities Rules 2017

1. Accessibility for the ICT products and services
2. Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021
3. RPwD (Amendment) Rules 2023 dated 13th July 2023 on culture sector specific harmonised accessibility standards/guidelines by Ministry of Culture
4. RPwD (Amendment) Rules 2023 dated 17th July 2023 on guidelines on accessible sports complex and residential facilities for sports persons with disabilities by Department of Sports

Guidelines under Draft notification in RPwD Rules and inviting public and other stakeholder comments

1. Draft (Amendment) Rules, 2023 incorporating Rural Sector Specific Harmonised Accessibility Standards/guidelines
2. Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Civil Aviation

Guidelines notified in Gazette of India by concerned Ministries/Departments

1. Accessibility standards for health care 

Guidelines awaited for notification in Gazette of India by concerned Ministry/Department

1. Guidelines on accessibility of Indian Railways stations and facilities at stations for differently abled persons and passengers with reduced mobility 
2. Accessibility Guidelines and Standards for Higher Education Institutions and Universities
3. Accessibility Guidelines for Bus Terminals and Bus Stops
4. Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation

Guidelines at various stages in the concerned Departments

1. Ministry of Home Affairs
2. Ministry of Rural Development
3. Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways
4. Ministry of Tourism
5. Department of Financial Service
6. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
7. Department of School Education and Literacy

Source : DEPwD