IIT-Madras Panel Urges Rethink of Accessibility in Design
Published on: 05 Jan 2026
CHENNAI: A high-level panel discussion held at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) emphasized the urgent need for a fundamental shift in how accessibility is approached in design. The event, titled ‘Design Thinking in Accessibility’, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, technologists, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and members of the disabled community. The focus was on reimagining inclusive design through the lens of lived experiences and organizational change.
Key Themes of the Discussion
The panel explored several critical themes that are essential for fostering a more inclusive design culture:
- Designing with Lived Experiences: The importance of integrating the experiences of persons with disabilities (PwD) into the design process.
- Moving Beyond Compliance: A call to shift from superficial compliance-driven approaches to embedding accessibility as a core value from the outset of product development.
- Cultivating Leadership Mindsets: Encouraging leaders to prioritize inclusion as a fundamental value rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Disconnect Between Creators and the Disabled Community
One of the panelists, J Karthika, a post-doctoral researcher at the Accessibility Research Centre at IIT-M, highlighted a significant disconnect between creators and the disabled community. She noted, “Engineers and designers often build software tools and technologies without engaging the disabled community during the conceptual stage.” This disconnect, she explained, leads to products that are created without considering the real challenges faced by PwD.
Karthika pointed out that this issue often begins in academia, where technical education rarely centers the voices of disabled individuals. As a result, products are developed and presented to society without adequate input from those who would ultimately use them.
Bridging the Gap Between Technical and Natural Languages
Another panelist from the disabled community emphasized the necessity of bridging the divide between technical and natural languages. “There is a crucial gap between how technology is expressed and how we, as users, understand it,” she argued. She called for a translation of web codes and mathematical logic into more intuitive, natural-language-based systems. This approach, she asserted, could significantly reduce learning barriers and democratize access to technology.
The Role of Engineers in Understanding Accessibility Challenges
Krishna Thiruvengadam Rajagopal, CEO and founder of dVerse, an entrepreneur and impact designer, shared his insights on the evolving mindset of engineers regarding accessibility challenges. He stated, “Coding is no longer an insurmountable barrier; it’s a challenge that can be reimagined through better interfaces and inclusive design.” His perspective reflects a growing recognition among engineers of the importance of designing with accessibility in mind.
Moving from Technical Compliance to Cultural Commitment
During the discussion, another expert with a disability cautioned against treating accessibility as an add-on feature. He observed that while Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set minimum standards, true inclusion requires a shift from mere technical compliance to a cultural commitment to accessibility. “Accessibility should be a foundational principle in any design,” he emphasized.
Conclusion
The panel discussion at IIT-Madras highlighted the pressing need for a paradigm shift in the approach to accessibility in design. By integrating the voices and experiences of the disabled community from the very beginning of the design process, and by fostering a culture of inclusion, the design community can create products and services that are truly accessible to all. The insights shared during the discussion serve as a call to action for designers, engineers, and leaders to prioritize accessibility as a core principle in their work.
Note: The importance of rethinking accessibility in design cannot be overstated. It is essential for creating a more inclusive society where everyone has equal access to technology and resources.
