Biography

Dr. Sachin Pavithran is the Executive Director of the US Access Board. He is a lifelong advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. In his role as Executive Director, he oversees research funded by the Access Board that supports the development of rules and voluntary guidelines in the areas of transportation, access to rail, medical diagnostic equipment and onboard wheelchair access on aircraft. He has spoken and provided training in the U.S. and worldwide, including the United Arab Emirates, India, Egypt, Syria, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico.

Sachin has over twenty years of direct involvement in development, testing, and training for accessibility for assistive technology, extensive experience in lecturing and training others in accessible technology. He has provided technical assistance on accessible information technology for individuals and groups. He has assisted in the evaluation of products related to web accessibility and design.

Sachin 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. In his role as Executive Director of the Access Board, Sachin is at the forefront of establishing and implementing national and international policy that impacts people with disabilities around the world.

Dr. Pavithran received his PhD in Disability Studies from Utah State University. He previously earned dual undergraduate degrees in Business Information Systems and Marketing, as well as a master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling.

His memberships include the Research and Development committee for the National Federation of the Blind, and the National Multicultural Council, among others. He was appointed by President Obama to the U.S. Access Board where he chaired the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Committee, which successfully published the Revised Section 508 Standards in 2017.