Enhancing access to information, resources and opportunities for people with disabilities
My vision
Technology has had a profound impact on all of us. However, unfortunately people with disabilities have not been able to take equal advantage due to digital inaccessibility, attitudinal barriers and low expectations. I am on a mission to use technology and advocacy to bridge this gap.
About me
I am an entrepreneur, innovator, activist, investor and speaker passionate about equitable information, resources and opportunities for all. I am particularly excited about the role technology can play in leveling the playing field, and work to address some of the systemic issues that people with disabilities face through tech including lack of digital accessibility, personalized support and information discoverability. I'm the co-founder at I-Stem which offers technology and community-based products and initiatives for upskilling and career discovery in high-growth industries in the digital economy and Global Network of Young Persons with Disabilities focused on helping youth with disabilities learn about their rights, develop their capacity and advocate. In the past, I have led inclusive hiring and mentorship initiatives such as NextBillion.org, a mentorship platform to connect people with disabilities interested in tech with mentors from the industry, among others. Through my work, I have reached over 500k people with disabilities in over 80 countries. My organizations and innovations have been funded and supported by Microsoft, the GSMA,, UNICEF, Roddenberry Foundation, Stanford StartX, MIT Solve, Westly Foundation etc. At Microsoft, I have led funding rounds and managed portfolio for the AI for Accessibility program, a $25M grant program that identifies novel applications of AI to empower people with disabilities, besides working on cutting-edge applications of AI for accessibility.
I enjoy sharing my experiences and educating and sensitizing the public about disability and accessibility, and have been a speaker at several organizations (Intel, Citi, Oracle, Deutsche Bank, National Geographic, Stanford, Nasscom etc.) and conferences (One Young World, CSUN). I am also a regular speaker at the UN, having spoken at the UN General Assembly, Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, International Day of Persons with Disabilities etc. Besides, I advise startups, companies, non-profits and governments on inclusive design, technical innovation and accessibility.
For my work and its impact over the years, I have been recognized and awarded the Queen's Young Leader Award by The Queen of England, National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities by the Vice President of India (India's highest honor for contributions to the disability sector), UN Young Leader's Award by the UN Secretary General's Envoy on Youth, ILEA Young Leaders Award from Asia School of Business and MIT Slonal among others. Diversability named me to their D30 Disability Impact list, while Forbes, Huffington Post, NPR, Hindustan Times, The Deccan Herald and others have carried stories on my work. But, the highlight for me has been the work I have done to help blind students in India pursue STEM and engineering-something that was previously not possible.
I am always looking to meeting other innovators and entrepreneurs passionate about inclusive design. Reach out if you would like to discuss about your project or innovation, talk accessibility, sensitize your employees or just say hi.Talks
I have shared my journey, views on inclusive innovation and design and the role of cutting edge technology such as AI at several forums over the years.
Articles and essays
Over the years, I have written several blogs and essays on a variety of topics around accessibility and innovation. Some of them have also been published by organizations and newspapers such as The Hindu, UNICEF, International Telecommunications Union, disability non-profits such as Leonard Cheshire and Eyeway among others.
Work with me
Technical consultation (responsible AI, tech for good, and accessibility)
Get hands-on support on applying the latest in technology (e.g. generative AI) for impact
Get advice on responsible and inclusive innovation
Incorporate inclusive design in your programming and development lifecycle
Digital accessibility and usability
Test your websites, mobile apps, documents, social media marketing content, reports and other collateral for digital accessibility for people with disabilities
Get usability feedback from a diverse group of people with disabilities
Integrate AI-powered technology in your workflows to ensure digital accessibility
Speaking opportunities
Sensitize employees and train them on disability etiquette
Create awareness around the abilities of people with disabilities
Promote inclusive design within your organization.