A Conversation with Sanchin Pavithran

Speakers

Description

In this interview, Dr. Sanchin Pavithran, executive director of the US Access Board, and Dr. Peter Blanck discuss the importance of society becoming more inclusive of people with disabilities. Dr. Pavrithan says enforcing policies is an important part of inclusion. He says it is not enough to create laws and regulations that aim to support people with disabilities, they must also be enforced. He discusses the Architectural Barriers Act as an underrated but critical piece of disability rights in 2023.

Dr. Pavithran also talks about inclusive education and improving vocational rehabilitation programs to address the disparities people with disabilities face. He also discusses the importance of maintaining multidimensional ways of supporting people with disabilities and emphasizes that digital accessibility is one of the most important aspects of disability inclusion.

• LISTEN:
  
• INTERACTIVE TRANSCRIPT: A conversation with Sanchin Pavithran Transcript
  Web: bit.ly/pavithran-transcript
• TRANSCRIPT DOWNLOAD: A conversation with Sanchin Pavithran Transcript
• RESOURCES: A Conversation with Sanchin Pavithran Resources

Summary

• The importance of society becoming more inclusive of people with disabilities. Dr. Pavithran says enforcing policies is an important part of inclusion. He says it is not enough to create laws and regulations that aim to support people with disabilities, they must also be enforced.
• He discusses the Architectural Barriers Act as an underrated but critical piece of disability rights in 2023.
• Pavithran also talks about inclusive education and improving vocational rehabilitation programs to address the disparities people with disabilities face.
• He also discusses the importance of maintaining multidimensional ways of supporting people with disabilities and emphasizes that digital accessibility is one of the most important aspects of disability inclusion.

More about Sanchin Pavithran, Executive Director of the Access Board

Dr. Sachin Dev Pavithran is the Executive Director of the Access Board. In this role, Pavithran oversees research funded by the Access Board that supports the development of rules and voluntary guidelines in the areas of transportation, information communication and technology, the built environment, and outdoor recreation. With over twenty years of direct involvement in development, testing, and training for assistive technology, Pavithran has given lectures and training in accessible information technology for individuals and groups, as well as assisted in the evaluation of products related to web accessibility and design. Pavithran also has extensive experience working with the higher education community in providing access to instructional materials to facilitate transitioning from K – 12 to post-secondary education into the workforce. As a lifelong advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, Pavithran has presented and provided training in the U.S. and worldwide, including in the United Arab Emirates, India, Egypt, Syria, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico.