If you think digital accessibility isn’t a big deal in India, Rapido’s recent legal troubles prove otherwise. Clearly, the government is taking accessibility more seriously, and things are starting to change. So, what happened to Rapido?
Two visually impaired users, Amar Jain and Dipto Ghosh Choudhury, couldn’t access key features of the ride-hailing app using their screen readers. Frustrated, they filed a case against the company, urging them to comply with the RPwD Act, 2016.
In response, the Delhi High Court ordered Rapido to undergo an accessibility audit by an authorised auditor and submit a compliance report. The court was lenient, giving the company three months to comply without imposing any penalties.
Rapido acknowledged the accessibility barriers and stated that the company is working to make the app “fully accessible to individuals with disabilities… independently and without any barriers.”
Although Rapido didn’t lose money in the process, it did lose something far more valuable: its brand reputation. It is now seen as a company that overlooked the needs of thousands of disabled users – a mistake that cost it trust and loyalty.
Rapido’s accessibility issues highlight a crucial lesson for app developers: accessibility cannot be an afterthought. Designing apps that are inclusive from the start not only avoids legal troubles but also improves user experience and strengthens brand loyalty.
So, how can you ensure your app is accessible? Start by using WCAG as a reference during design and development. The WCAG POUR principles address various disabilities, guiding you to create apps that are both inclusive and accessible.
Additionally, take a shift-left approach by integrating accessibility into the planning, design, and early development stages. This prevents the hassle of retrofitting later. Also, raise awareness among all team members to ensure accessibility is a shared priority.
Always remember: accessibility isn’t just about compliance – it’s about delivering a seamless experience for all users. Focus on building an inclusive app with a great user experience, not just meeting legal requirements or avoiding lawsuits.
Just like apps, websites that fail to meet accessibility standards can face legal challenges. Non-compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 can put you at risk of lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage.
Don’t wait for issues to arise, as Rapido did. Be proactive and take steps to make your website accessible today. You might be wondering where to start. You can start by running an accessibility audit on your website to uncover any barriers.
After identifying barriers through an accessibility audit, prioritise fixing the issues based on their impact. Follow accessibility guidelines like WCAG to guide your updates and continuously monitor your site for compliance.
Need help making your website accessible? WebYes can simplify your compliance journey by identifying the accessibility issues that need attention. Start with a free website audit to uncover barriers and take the first step toward inclusivity.
Article by
Melwyn holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and has been writing professionally for over 4 years. He has a strong background in SEO and is certified in web accessibility from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). When he's not writing about website optimisation, you can find him enjoying a game of FIFA or exploring the open world of GTA.
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