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@article{193145,
        author = {Dr. Maria Selvi S and Naren Krishnan M and Kevin Kristofer A and Sanjai Kanna B C and Shyju Krishna V},
        title = {Design and Evaluation of a WCAG-Aligned Startup Ecosystem Portal for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities: A Tamil Nadu Framework},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {9},
        pages = {4451-4453},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=193145},
        abstract = {Entrepreneurial ecosystems in India increasingly rely on digital platforms for registration, funding access, incubation enrolment, and mentorship delivery. However, digital accessibility gaps restrict participation of Persons with Disabilities (PwD), thereby undermining inclusive economic growth. This study develops and evaluates a WCAG-aligned Accessible Startup Ecosystem Portal designed specifically to reduce digital entry barriers for PwD entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu.
A structured accessibility audit was conducted across 11 national and state-level startup and policy platforms, using seven core digital accessibility indicators (keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, alt text, accessible forms, session control, contrast compliance, and responsiveness). Audit findings reveal significant accessibility inconsistencies, with digital accessibility scores ranging from 60% to 100%, and several high-traffic entrepreneurial platforms scoring below optimal compliance 
Based on identified gaps, we developed a disability-centric startup ecosystem website framework integrating accessible interface architecture, funding scheme navigation assistance, adaptive mentorship scheduling, and policy-linked resource aggregation. The study demonstrates that accessibility-first digital infrastructure can function as an economic enabler rather than a compliance exercise.
The proposed model offers a replicable digital inclusion framework for incubators and state startup missions seeking to operationalise accessibility in line with India’s disability policy architecture.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {February},
        }