About This File

The focus of Election Commission of India has been to enhance participation, strengthen facilitation, mould public perceptions about the potential of PwDs and include their voice as equal citizens that set the stage for their social and economic integration. Crossing the Barriers: Accessibility Initiatives 2021 takes the reader through the ‘Journey of Accessible Elections’ followed by ‘Ensuring COVID safe and inclusive elections’. through Postal Ballot. The chapters on ‘Guiding Principles’ and ‘Legislative Initiatives’, as also the “Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Good Practices’ highlight multiple layers within the genre of Accessibility, that were explored by the ECI and the stakeholders for a participative and inclusive election. The book also showcases the ‘Accessibility initiatives taken up by states/UTs.. Moreover, the suggestions and recommendations by the Disability Sector and Civil Service Organizations (CSOs)/ NGOs all over India, on making the elections more accessible provide a comprehensive view, The last chapter on ‘way forward’ chalks out the strategy on accessible elections for future.