Obama reappoints Indian-American to key administration post

US President Barack Obama has reappointed Indian-American Sachin Dev Pavithran to a key independent government agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities.

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 yesterday.

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 Programme Coordinator and 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 the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs National Board, the Research and Development Committee of the National Federation of the Blind, and the National Multicultural Council of the Association of University Centres for Disabilities.

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.