Sachin Pavithran, PhD

Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University

Sachin Pavithran was born in India, but grew up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Sachin came to the US at the age of 17 to start his college career at Utah State University. He graduated from USU with a degree in Business Information Systems, and another degree in Marketing. Sachin received his Masters in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and a PhD in Disability Disciplines from Utah State University.

Sachin is currently the Program Director of the Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) and the Disability Policy Analyst for the Center for Persons with Disabilities. Sachin enjoys being an advocate for people with disabilities. He keeps up with the research and development of various assistive technologies, and is involved nationally in working with legislators in the Federal Government to bring a change in various Federal Policies for the benefit of individuals with disabilities. He has reached out to the international community on Disability Policy and Infra Structure Development based on the requirements set forth by the UNCRPD. He has trained and presented in several countries such as Egypt, Syria, Philippines, and Turkey.

Sachin has over twelve years of direct involvement in development, testing, and training for accessibility for assistive technology, extensive experience in lecturing and training others in accessible technology. Sachin provides technical assistance on accessible information technology for individuals and groups. He helps in the evaluation of products related to web accessibility and design. He has served on various boards, such as the Research and Development Committee for the National Federation of the Blind, the National Multicultural Council, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, and Senator Hatch's Advisory Board for Disability Policy. He was appointed by President Obama to the U.S. Access Board where he currently serves as the Chairman of this agency.

Sachin aspires to be in the fore-front of establishing and implementing national and international policy that impacts people with disabilities around the world.