Website Accessibility for Indian SMEs: Practical, Cost-Effective Approaches That Work

A Practical Guide to Website Accessibility for Indian SMEs on a Budget

A business website is often the first point of contact with customers. For Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), ensuring that this contact is inclusive and accessible to everyone is a smart business choice now. Website accessibility enables people with disabilities – including visual, hearing, cognitive, and motor impairments – to access and interact with online content effectively.

Globally, around 1 in 6 has some form of disability. In India, that proportion is significant as well (estimated calculation is around 5 to 8 percent of the entire population). Therefore, making websites accessible expands the business audience, reduces legal risk, and strengthens brand reputation.

However, for many Indian SMEs, the challenge is: How do they make their site accessible without a large budget or a specialist team?

This article can be helpful. Read along.

Website accessibility – a simple explanation!

Website accessibility means designing and developing a site so as not to exclude people because of a disability. This includes:

• Making content readable with screen readers (for visually impaired users).
• Providing captions for videos (for users with hearing issues).
• Designing forms and navigation that keyboard-only users can operate.
• Structuring content clearly for people with cognitive challenges.

There are international standards – WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) – kept by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), which most accessible strategies align with. And India has its own digital accessibility guidelines (RPwD Act, IS 17802, GIGW 3.0,, and DPDPA) that are mandatory to follow now. However, SMEs don’t need to tackle everything at once; a step-by-step approach works well.

Accessibility is unavoidable for Indian SMEs

Indian small and medium enterprises should focus more on digital accessibility now because:

• It expands their market reach

Accessible websites reach a wide segment of people with disabilities, elderly users, and those using assistive technologies.

• Boosts SEO and usability

Many accessibility improvements, such as descriptive headings, alt text, and clean navigation, also improve search engine optimization.

• Future-proofs a business

With growing awareness around digital rights, accessibility compliance may soon become legally expected in more Indian sectors, similar to digital privacy.

• Brand differentiation

Accessible websites signal professionalism, quality, and inclusivity—values that resonate with modern consumers.

Practical & cost-effective steps to get accessible websites

• Improve text content

Use clear, simple language.

Break long paragraphs into short sections.

Use headings (H1, H2, H3) meaningfully to structure pages.

Why it helps: Screen readers and users with cognitive disabilities benefit from organized, readable content.

• Add alt text for images

Each meaningful image must have a short but descriptive alt attribute, such as “Lavie handbag with adjustable straps” rather than “image1.jpg”.

Why it helps: Visually impaired users relying on screen readers get correct descriptions of visual content.

• Make navigation keyboard-friendly

Manual testing works well. Try navigating the website using only tab, enter, and arrow keys. Menus, links, and forms should be reachable without a mouse.

Why it helps: Many users rely on keyboards or alternative input devices.

• Ensure high contrast and readable text

Use sufficient contrast between text and background.

Avoid tiny fonts—aim for 16px or larger for body text.

Why it helps: Users with low vision or color blindness can read content more easily.

• Caption videos and multimedia

Free editors and YouTube auto-captions can help. Adding closed captions and transcripts makes video content usable for everyone.

Why it helps: Deaf or hard-of-hearing users can engage with multimedia content.

• Make forms clear and accessible

Label all form fields clearly.

Use helpful error messages that explain what went wrong.

Support logical tab order.

CMS forms or plugins can help optimize forms.

Why it helps: Users with cognitive or motor disabilities find forms easier to complete.

• Integrate an external accessibility plugin/widget

Third-party plugins are meant to implement or improve accessibility status without manipulating code and within budget. Many of them offer free plans as well.

One of such accessibility widgets is All in One Accessibility. With more than 70 built-in accessibility features and many disability profiles, it is a budget-friendly option for SMEs to incorporate accessibility to their digital assets.

Tools and resources that don’t break the bank

Many website builders (WordPress, Wix, Shopify) now offer accessibility-friendly themes at no extra cost.

Test the site without costly audit

Because testing is important. But if it is difficult to choose an expensive audit firm, start with:

Manual testing

• Tab through navigation
• Try reading content with a screen reader (free options exist)
• Check readability at larger text sizes.

Automated tools

Free browser extensions and online scanners can highlight obvious issues – though they won’t catch 100%.

Manual and automated testing together catch the most common barriers.

Build a roadmap, not a one-time fix!

Accessibility is an ongoing practice, and it is important to maintain its level regularly.

Start small:

• Add meaningful alt text across the site.
• Fix contrast issues on key pages.
• Ensure keyboard accessibility.
• Add captions to the most viewed videos.

Then broaden accessibility efforts over time.

Wrapping up

For Indian SMEs, accessibility doesn’t need to be intimidating or expensive. With a structured, practical approach, businesses can make their website more inclusive while also improving search visibility at a low cost.

Make small changes with big impact because each improvement matters!

Making website accessibility practical and affordable is a smart step for Indian SMEs looking to improve usability and align with WCAG requirements. Solutions like accessibility widgets, audits, and ongoing support help address common barriers without heavy development costs. We support businesses with scalable accessibility remediation services designed for real-world SME needs. A more inclusive website can strengthen reach, credibility, and long-term digital growth. Reach out hello@skynetindia.info for more information.

Digital accessibility in India is no longer a formality. As regulatory scrutiny and digital adoption across diverse user groups continue to increase over time, Indian businesses need to focus more on implementing accessibility. And it becomes easier for them with reliable, experienced accessibility partners.

Accessibility partners help businesses implement and maintain accessibility for a longer span, unlike automated tools. However, choosing the right accessibility partner depends on several factors, such as whether an organization requires sustainable compliance or surface-level fixes.

This article will help in understanding how to choose a suitable accessibility partner.

Key criteria to evaluate the right accessibility partner

• Deep understanding of Indian regulations and global standards

An effective accessibility partner must demonstrate deep knowledge of both international and Indian accessibility requirements.

What to look for:

• Expertise in WCAG 2.1/2.2 across Levels A, AA, AAA.
• Familiarity with GIGW 3.0 (Guidelines for Indian Government Websites).
• Understanding of India-specific frameworks such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 and Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) implications on accessible consent and notices.
• Ability to map accessibility requirements to global laws (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549) for Indian companies serving international markets.

An experienced partner clearly explains how these standards apply to various sectors like BFSI, ecommerce, education, healthcare, or government.

• Human-led expertise, not just automated tools

Automated scanners alone cannot ensure accessibility compliance. At best, they detect 30-40% of issues.

Evaluate whether the partner provides:

• Manual accessibility audit by certified accessibility experts.
• Assistive technology testing using different screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, screen magnifiers, and speech input tools.
• Real-world usability validation beyond technical conformance.

Partners relying only on overlays or automated widgets should be approached with caution, especially for compliance-heavy or user-critical platforms.

• Experience with multilingual accessibility

India’s digital ecosystem is uniquely complex due to language diversity, literacy levels, and low-bandwidth environments.

Seasoned partners will help in:

• Multilingual and regional-language accessibility (Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Bengali, etc.).
• Accessible content for non-native English speakers.
• Handling mixed-language interfaces and dynamic language switching.

Ask for some of the work done in the Indian context, not just global case studies.

• Clear and actionable audit reports

Accessibility audits should enable action, not create confusion.

A reliable partner provides:

• WCAG-mapped findings with severity levels.
• Clear explanations in non-technical language for business stakeholders.
• Technical guidance for developers (code-level fixes, ARIA usage, patterns).
• Screenshots, video recordings, or reproduction steps for each issue.
• Prioritization based on legal risk and user impact.

If partners are showing reports that are generic, tool-generated, or lack remediation guidance, they are not suitable.

• End-to-end remediation support

Accessibility does not end with an audit. Businesses often struggle during remediation due to tight timelines and limited in-house expertise.

Assess whether the partner offers:

• Hands-on remediation support for websites, apps, PDFs, and documents.
• Collaboration with designers, developers, and content teams.
• Validation testing after fixes.
• Support during re-audits and compliance signoffs.

If a partner stays involved throughout the lifecycle, it adds more value than audit-only vendors.

• PDF, document, and non-web accessibility capabilities

In India, accessibility obligations extend beyond websites to include government PDFs, reports, forms, and financial documents.

Look for expertise in:

• Accessible PDF remediation (tagging, reading order, tables, forms).
• Word, PowerPoint, and Excel accessibility.
• Complex documents such as annual reports, policies, and regulatory filings.
• Large-scale document remediation workflows.

This is particularly important for BFSI, government, education, and healthcare sectors.

• Accessibility training and knowledge transfer

A good accessibility partner helps build internal capability. Indian organizations often have rotating teams and multiple vendors, making knowledge transfer essential.

Valuable training offerings include role-based training for designers, developers, content writers, QA teams, and product managers.

There must be practical guidance on:

• Accessible design patterns
• Semantic HTML and ARIA best practices
• Accessible content authoring (headings, links, alt text, plain language)
• WCAG interpretation workshops tailored to Indian use cases.
• Documentation, checklists, and reusable templates.

Investment in training ensures that accessibility becomes a part of the organization’s core workflows, and partners can help with it.

• Proven industry experience and relevant case studies

Accessibility challenges vary significantly across industries. An ideal partner should have relevant experience to the specific sector.

Evaluate whether the partner has worked with:

• BFSI and fintech platforms (secure forms, dashboards, transaction flows).
• Ecommerce websites (product discovery, checkout, payments).
• Education and e-learning platforms (multimedia, assessments, LMS tools).

Ask for India-specific case studies and achieved outcomes.

• Transparent engagement model and pricing

Accessibility engagements can range from audits and remediation to long-term partnerships. Transparency is critical.

A credible partner will offer:

• Clear scope definitions (what is included and excluded).
• Transparent pricing models – per audit, per page, per document, or retainer-based.
• Realistic timelines aligned with Indian delivery cycles.
• No hidden dependencies on proprietary overlays or subscriptions.

Be cautious of too less offerings that rely solely on automation or promise instant compliance.

• Ethical approach to accessibility and overlays

Some vendors promote accessibility overlays or widgets as quick fixes. However, such widgets may address surface-level issues only.

Prefer partners that:

• Advocate for native accessibility fixes.
• Are transparent about the limitations of overlays.
• Focus on inclusive design rather than legal shortcuts.
• Centre decisions around users with disabilities, not just compliance badges.

Ethical accessibility partners prioritize long-term impact over short-term optics.

• Ongoing support, monitoring, and future readiness

Accessibility is not static. Content updates, design changes, and platform upgrades can introduce new barriers.

Right partners offer:

• Periodic accessibility reviews or monitoring
• Regression testing after major releases
• Support for WCAG updates and evolving standards
• Guidance on embedding accessibility into agile and CI/CD workflows.

This is especially important for Indian businesses scaling rapidly or operating multiple digital platforms.

In a nutshell,

Businesses should choose a partner, not just a vendor!

Select the right accessibility partner by considering their impact on compliance, brand reputation, and inclusion. By evaluating partners against these criteria rather than cost or automation alone – organizations can move beyond checkbox compliance and build digital experiences that truly work for everyone.

Choosing the right accessibility partner is a strategic decision that impacts compliance, usability, and long-term digital growth. We support organizations with practical, scalable accessibility widget aligned with WCAG, GIGW 3.0, and global standards. With proven experience across websites, documents, and applications, the team focuses on measurable outcomes and real-world implementation. Reach out hello@skynetindia.info to explore how the right accessibility partnership can strengthen digital inclusion while supporting business objectives.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken a landmark regulatory step to ensure that India’s financial markets are inclusive for all users – including persons with disabilities (PwDs). Its digital accessibility compliance framework – evolving into enforceable practice in 2026 – represents a structured, phased, and enforceable roadmap for regulated entities to make their digital touchpoints accessible, usable, and legally compliant.

However, organizations were ambivalent about deadlines and reporting workflows. To address all those issues, SEBI released its clarification circular in December 2025.

SEBI is focusing on digital accessibility; why?

The digital transformation of financial services – from online trading to mobile investing, digital onboarding, and client support portals – has made accessibility a core issue in investor protection. SEBI recognizes that digital accessibility is a right for investors with disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

SEBI explicitly included this in regulations and even in Investor Charters, signalling the regulatory intent to align digital accessibility with investor rights and market participation equity.

Financial entities that must comply with the regulations

The compliance framework applies to all SEBI-regulated entities (“Regulated Entities” or REs), including but not limited to:

• Stockbrokers and depository participants.
• Mutual funds, asset managers, and investment advisers.
• Stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories.
• KYC registration and onboarding agencies.
• Trading apps and investment portals.
• All digital interfaces with investor interaction.

In short, if a platform is used by investors for information, transactions, or customer support, it falls under SEBI’s digital accessibility regime.

Essential Requirements of SEBI’s Digital Accessibility Framework (2025–26)

• Assess & report accessibility readiness

By March 31, 2026, every regulated entity must submit a Digital Accessibility Readiness & Compliance Status Report covering all investor-facing digital platforms – including websites, mobile apps, trading terminals, CRM portals, onboarding systems, and more. The report must include:

• a. URLs or digital addresses for every platform.
• b. Current compliance status against accessibility standards.
• c. Level of compliance (e.g., WCAG AA level – the international benchmark).
• d. Identified accessibility gaps and remediation timelines.
• e. Operational or technical challenges faced.

This readiness report replaces earlier strict timelines for auditor appointment and accelerated transparency over rigid deadlines.

• Implement international accessibility standards

Platforms must align with globally recognized accessibility standards, such as:

• a. WCAG 2.1/2.2 Level AA (minimum) – widely accepted international benchmark.
• b. Compatibility with screen readers and assistive technologies.
• c. Proper alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and high-contrast text.
• d. Closed captions and transcripts for multimedia.
• e. Supportive design for users with vision, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities.

Integrating these standards ensures inclusivity across diverse accessibility needs -from visual impairments to hearing challenges.

• Accessibility audits and remediation

While SEBI previously set deadlines for entity audits and remediation of issues, the updated 2026 framework emphasizes:

• a. Periodic accessibility audits conducted by qualified professionals.
• b. Audit coverage across all digital platforms.
• c. Documentation of audit findings.
• d. Timely and documented remediation of identified gaps.

Certified accessibility professionals (e.g., IAAP-certified auditors) remain central to audit quality – ensuring that compliance is substantive rather than procedural.

• Grievance redressal & complaint mechanisms

SEBI has added an “Accessibility” complaint category on its investor grievance portal – SCORES (SEBI complaints redress system). Investors can now lodge accessibility-related complaints directly against regulated entities.

And entities must:

• a. Provide resolution and remediation timelines.
• b. Track and close accessibility issues.
• c. Ensure real-world fixes – not just audit reports.

This strengthens investor empowerment and ties compliance to accountability.

• Designated accessibility officers and reporting channels

Regulated entities are encouraged (and in some cases required) to:

• a. Appoint a dedicated Accessibility Officer responsible for compliance.
• b. Establish internal grievance cells for accessibility issues.
• c. Report compliance and remediation statuses to SEBI or designated authorities using specified formats and channels (e.g., email to SEBI’s digital accessibility inbox).

SEBI’s digital accessibility framework is crucial!

• Investor protection & inclusion

By embedding digital accessibility into regulatory compliance, SEBI ensures that all investors including users with disabilities can access information and transact independently and securely.

• Alignment with National Law

The framework aligns with India’s RPwD Act, 2016, and related rules, strengthening compliance with federal accessibility law.

• Market confidence & digital equity

An accessible financial ecosystem enhances trust, expands investor participation, and signals India’s commitment to equitable digital transformation.

Read more: AI Automated Accessibility widget vs Manual Accessibility service

In a nutshell,

SEBI’s digital accessibility compliance framework for 2026 is a significant shift in Indian financial regulation – from optional accommodations to enforceable, rights-based digital inclusion. Regulated entities must move beyond checklists to embed accessibility into design, audit, reporting, and grievance mechanisms.

As the compliance cycle unfolds through 2026 and beyond, digital accessibility will become an entrenched aspect of responsible, investor-centric financial services.

Preparing for SEBI’s 2026 digital accessibility compliance requires more than periodic checks – it calls for practical, scalable solutions. The accessibility widget helps financial institutions and regulated entities identify accessibility gaps, improve usability, and support WCAG-aligned digital experiences across websites and platforms. With ongoing scanning, monitoring, and user-friendly accessibility features, the widget supports compliance readiness while improving access for diverse users. Explore how an accessibility widget can complement broader remediation efforts and support regulatory expectations. Reach out hello@skynetindia.info for more information.

India’s digital ecosystem is one of the most linguistically diverse in the world. With 22 officially recognised languages, hundreds of regional dialects, and several first-time internet users, language is a critical web accessibility factor.

As government and private digital platforms expand their reach, multilingual accessibility has become a central component of inclusive digital design. Aligning with GIGW 3.0, RPWD, and WCAG ensures that digital services are both legally compliant and accessible to India’s diverse population.

The Role of Multilingual Accessibility in India’s Digital Inclusion Goals

Multilingual accessibility is beyond simple translation. It ensures that users can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with digital content in their preferred language, including users with disabilities.

In India, multilingual accessibility must account for:

• Multiple scripts (Devanagari, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, Urdu, Hindi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, etc.)
• Low digital literacy and first-time users.
• Screen reader and assistive technology compatibility across languages.
• Cultural and contextual accuracy, not just literal translations.

Without thoughtful implementation, language barriers can exclude users from essential services such as banking, healthcare, education, and government platforms.

GIGW 3.0: Multilingual requirements for Indian digital platforms

GIGW 3.0 is mandated for Indian government websites and digital services. It places strong emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility, and localisation. Multilingual support is a key pillar of these guidelines.

Important multilingual expectations in GIGW 3.0:

• Mandatory availability of bilingual content as in English and at least one Indian language, preferably Hindi or the relevant regional language.
• Clear and persistent language selection options across all pages.
• Use of Unicode fonts to ensure proper rendering across devices and assistive technologies.
• Menus, labels, forms, and search functionality should work seamlessly in every selected language.
• Downloadable content must retain language metadata and correct reading order.

GIGW 3.0 reinforces that language accessibility is not optional – it is foundational to citizen-centric digital governance.

How does WCAG support multilingual accessibility across local languages?

WCAG provides technical and design principles that directly impact multilingual accessibility. WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 are especially relevant for Indian platforms targeting inclusive access.

Relevant WCAG success criteria:

• 3.1.1 Language of Page: The default language of the page must be programmatically defined.
• 3.1.2 Language of Parts: Language changes within content (e.g., mixed Hindi-English text) must be identified in code.
• 1.3.1 Info and Relationships: Proper structure ensures translated content remains understandable to assistive technologies.
• 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value: Ensures screen readers correctly announce controls across languages.

For Indian languages, correct language tagging is critical so that screen readers pronounce text accurately in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Bengali, or other scripts.

Bridging GIGW 3.0 and WCAG: A unified accessibility approach!

GIGW 3.0 and WCAG are complementary. While GIGW provides India-specific governance and language mandates, WCAG offers global technical benchmarks for accessibility.

How they align:

• Both prioritise access for users with disabilities and diverse needs.
• Unicode, semantic HTML, and ARIA practices are required in both guidelines to support Indian-language screen reading.
• Structured layouts to maintain consistency to ensure translated content does not break accessibility or usability.

Together, they form a robust framework for multilingual digital inclusion in India.

Common multilingual accessibility challenges in India

Despite clear guidelines, organizations often encounter some hurdles:

• Incorrect or missing language attributes in code.
• Use of image-based text for regional languages.
• Poor-quality machine translations without human review.
• Inaccessible PDFs and forms in Indian languages.
• Screen reader incompatibility due to non-standard fonts or layouts.

These issues can render content unusable for users relying on assistive technologies.

Best practices for multilingual accessible design

To effectively align with GIGW 3.0 and WCAG, organizations should adopt the following practices:

• Use semantic HTML and a consistent structure across languages

Apply proper HTML landmarks (<header>, <nav>, <main>, <footer>) to help screen reader users navigate easily.

Maintain the same heading hierarchy (H1-H6) across all language versions to avoid confusion.

Ensure lists, tables, and form fields retain their semantic relationships after translation.

• Define Language attributes accurately

Set the lang attribute at the page level (e.g., lang=”hi”, lang=”mr”, lang=”ta”).

Use lang attributes for mixed-language content, such as Hinglish (Hindi + English) or English terms embedded within regional language text.

Apply language metadata to PDFs and downloadable documents as well.

• Design language switchers that are accessible and intuitive

Place language switchers prominently and consistently across pages.

Ensure language selectors are keyboard accessible and screen-reader friendly.

Avoid auto-switching languages based on location without user consent.

• Maintain translation quality and contextual accuracy

Use human-reviewed translations for critical content such as forms, instructions, error messages, and legal text.

Maintain a glossary to describe regional language terminology.

Avoid mixing languages unnecessarily within a single sentence unless clearly marked.

• Test with assistive technologies supporting Indian languages

Test content with screen readers that support Indian languages.

Validate keyboard navigation across all language versions.

Check pronunciation accuracy for different scripts and mixed-language content.

• Integrate accessibility into localization workflows

Include accessibility checks in localization QA.

Train content and translation teams on WCAG and GIGW requirements.

Use accessibility-ready CMS workflows that support language metadata and structured content.

• Monitor, audit, and improve continuously

Conduct periodic accessibility audits across all supported languages.

Monitor user feedback and grievance data for language-related issues.

Update content and interfaces as accessibility standards and user needs evolve.

Multilingual accessibility matters beyond compliance!

Multilingual accessibility is not about meeting standards – it delivers tangible benefits:

• Broader reach across rural and regional populations.
• Increased trust in government and financial platforms.
• Improved user engagement and task completion.
• Reduced support and grievance redressal costs.
• Stronger alignment with digital India and inclusive growth goals.

For both public and private organizations, accessible multilingual design is a strategic investment in India’s digital future.

Wrapping up

In a linguistically diverse country like India, multilingual accessibility plays a critical role in digital inclusion. Alignment with GIGW 3.0 and WCAG helps digital platforms remain accessible, usable, and equitable for all users. When accessibility is embedded into multilingual design from the outset, organizations move beyond compliance and deliver digital experiences that genuinely serve every citizen.

We support organizations in aligning with GIGW 3.0 and WCAG through scalable accessibility widget tailored for multilingual environments. From audits to remediation and ongoing support, the focus remains on practical, compliance-ready implementation. Reach out hello@skynetindia.info to build digital experiences that are accessible, usable, and meaningful for every user.