INSPECTORATE DEPARTMENT

1. Introduction

The Inspectorate Department draws its mandate from the Persons with Disability Act of 2006 Section Part V, Division 5- Accessibility and Mobility and Part VIII – Inspectorate.

The Department is responsible for ensuring that Persons with Disabilities live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life and on an equal basis with others to the physical environment, transportation, information and communications and other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and rural areas.

Figure 1: Creating an inclusive, barrier free workplace where Persons with Disabilities can participate equally.

2. Functions of the department

  1. To develop, promulgate and monitor the implementation of minimum standards and guidelines for the accessibility of facilities and services open or provided to the public;
  2. To ensure that private entities that offer facilities and services which are open or provided to the public take into account all aspects of accessibility for Persons with Disabilities;
  3. To provide training for stakeholders on accessibility issues facing Persons with Disabilities;
  4. To provide in buildings and other facilities open to the public signage in Braille and in easy to read and understand forms;
  5. To provide forms of live assistance and intermediaries, including guides, readers and professional sign language interpreters, to facilitate accessibility to buildings and other facilities open to the public;
  6. To promote other appropriate forms of assistance and support to Persons with Disabilities to ensure their access to information;
  7. To promote access for Persons with Disabilities to new information and communications technologies and systems, including the Internet;
  8. To promote the design, development, production and distribution of accessible information and communications technologies and systems at an early stage, so that these technologies and systems become accessible at minimum cost.

3. Accessibility Standards and Compliance

  1. The Inspector has the power to inspect any institution to ensure that the provisions of this Act are being complied with.
  2. Information about the relevant national and international accessibility standards followed by the Department.
  3. Certification process for entities striving to achieve accessibility compliance.
  4. Benefits and advantages of obtaining accessibility certification.
  5. Certified entities to showcase successful accessibility implementation.

4. Publications and Resources

  1. Reports, and research findings related to accessibility and disability rights.
  2. Downloadable resources, such as accessibility guidelines, checklists and toolkits that can assist businesses and organizations in meeting accessibility requirements.

It is important to ensure that the website design follows accessibility guidelines, including provisions for screen readers, alternative text for images and clear navigation options.