The Election Commission on Wednesday launched voter identity cards with Braille label to ensure greater participation of persons with visual impairment in the electoral process.

The Commission also unveiled a strategic framework on “Accessible Elections” on conclusion of a two-day national level consultation with representatives of the Central government, political parties, NGOs and experts on disabilities.

Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat announced a series of measures for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the electoral process, which includes printing of photo-identity cards with Braille, accessible communication awareness materials, a mobile phone application to motivate and educate the voters and appointment of Disability Coordinates at the Assembly constituency, district and State level.

Free transport facility

The EC plans to impart cascaded training on accessibility to poll officials, set up auxiliary polling stations, provide accessible photo voter slips, sign-language window in all the audio visual training and advertisement content material for the convenience of deaf persons and free transport facility to PwDs and their Assistants.

A new Accessible Division in the India International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Management will also be set up.

Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said: “We should go far beyond the bureaucratic measures to overcome the barriers. Technology has the capability to fill the gaps and it shall be explored to its fullest potential.”