Visually impaired Indian in key US post

Washington

Pavithran has been reappointed as a Member of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, the White House said as it announced other key administration appointments.

Created in 1973 to ensure access to federally-funded facilities, the Board is now a leading source of information on accessible design.

“These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new roles and I am proud to have them serve in this Administration. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come,” Obama said in a statement.

Pavithran was first appointed to Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board in 2012 and has served as Chair since 2015. He is Programme  Director of Utah Assistive Technology programme at Utah State University’s Centre for Persons with Disabilities, a position he has held since 2011.

He has served in a variety roles at the Centre since 2002, including as Disability Policy Analyst. He has more than 15 years of experience as a consultant in developing, testing, and training users of assistive technology and accessible websites. He serves on a number of boards. In 2016, Pavithran was selected as one of Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers for his accomplishments in using technology to improve government operations.