The Team at CABE
CABE Foundation has a highly qualified and experienced team of professionals, committed to the cause of diversity inclusion and accessibility. The team also has rich hands-on experience in the areas of Accessibility, Universal Design, Access Audits of Built Infrastructure, Access Audits of Websites, Apps and ICT Products and Services, other digital assets, Standards Formulation, Disability Laws and their implementation, Policy Reform, Disability and Diversity Inclusion, Early Intervention, Rehabilitation, Therapeutic interventions, Inclusive Education, Workplace Inclusion, Reasonable Accommodation or Adjustments, Stakeholders Training and Capacity Building, Job Reservations, Awareness Raising and Empowerment of various stakeholders.
Meet our Board of Directors, Advisors, Team Leads, Program Leads, Associates etc. here -
The Board of Directors
Mr. Thakur Datt Dhariyal
Executive Director &Team Lead - Research, Consultancies & Disability Inclusion
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| Mr. T.D. Dhariyal |
Mr. Dhariyal has served as a Civil Servant for more than three decades in the Ministries of Defence, Home, Shipping and Social Justice and Empowerment of Government of India. He was the longest serving Deputy Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in Government of India for over 13 years till 2014.
Subsequently he served as Advisor, Disability Inclusion and Mainstreaming with CBM, a Germany based disability and development organisation of more than 100 years’ standing. He was appointed as the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of NCT of Delhi to serve a term from 17th March 2017 to 31st Dec 2019 where he delivered many pathbreaking orders and judgements with wide ranging impact on the disability policy and implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
In addition to his responsibilities as Executive Director of CABE Foundation, he is also currently the President of the National Association of the Blind (Delhi) Mr. Dhariyal holds Masters’ degrees in Economics and Business Administration from University of Hull, UK.
Working for empowerment of persons with disabilities is his passion. He has been actively involved in helping persons with disabilities to secure their rights and entitlements and the organisations to implement laws and policies for empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Shri Dhariyal has contributed articles and presented papers on inclusive education, employment, mainstreaming disability, barrier free environment, community based inclusive development, etc. He also compiled a book entitled "Judgments on Disability Issues” and contributed in bringing out a Compendium on International and National Human Rights Regime for Persons with Disabilities; Disabled Friendly Sports Facilities; Guide book on Accessible Tourist Places in Delhi etc.
He has also been/is the Guest Faculty and trainer on a variety of disability issues in premier Training Institutes like Lal Bhadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie; Institute of Secretariat Training and Management, New Delhi; IIPA, New Delhi; UTCS, Govt. of NCT of Delhi; State Administrative Training Institutes, CSIR, ISRO, IOCL, NTPC, Oil India, Institute of Public Administration, Bengaluru, etc. Shri Dhariyal has also been/is a member of various expert committees in the Government, UGC, Universities, NIOS, Corporate Sector, NGOs/INGOs.
Prof. (Dr.) Rachna Khare
Director
One of the authors of Universal Design India Principles developed at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad in 2011, Rachna Khare is full Professor and Dean (Research and Faculty Affairs) at School of Planning and Architecture Bhopal. Prior to this she was a Senior Research Fellow with Jamsetji Tata Universal Design Research Chair at National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad and taught at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra. Starting her career in the early nineties as an Exhibition Officer cum Designer in Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur, she practiced for eight years in the field and then joined academia.
She is a dedicated teacher and keen researcher for last Eighteen years. She was recognised as ‘Inspired Teacher’ by Hon’ble President of India and stayed Scholar-in-Residence at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2016.
Rachna is a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship and was affiliated with the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA during her PhD. Her research interests in the field of ‘Universal Design’ and ‘Designing for Special Needs’ have earned her grants and awards nationally and internationally. Apart from the Fulbright award, she is recipient of IMFAR-2009, Professionals from Developing Country Award, Chicago; Friends of Fulbright India Grant-2008, Lewisburg; Universal Design Award for Working professional-2011 by NEPEDP-Mphasis, India and R&D projects from All India Council of Technical Education and University Grants Commission in India. She works closely with the United Nations and consults internationally on disability issues and public access.
She has lectured extensively on Inclusive Design all over the world and has many papers in various National and International journals and conferences to her credit. Her papers appeared in the publications like Taylor and Francis, Sage, HFES, EDRA, RESNA and Archnet MIT. Her book ‘Designing Inclusive Educational Spaces for Autism’ published by the Institute of Human Centered Design, Boston, USA was released in 2010 at ‘Build Boston’, the book received ‘Certificate of Merit’ in ArchiDesign Award-2010. She has also edited special issues of internationally refereed journals called ‘SPANDREL’ on ‘Social sustenance’ in 2012 and ‘ABACUS’ on ‘Architecture for All’ in 2007. Some major events organised by her are ‘Universal Design Workshop’ and National Student Design Competition (NSDC-211) on ‘Universal Design/Design for All’-2011 in collaboration with the National Institute of Orthropaedically Handicapped, Kolkata and NSDC-2012 on ‘Universal Design for Exploring World Heritage Sites in India’ in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India and UNESCO. She serves as reviewer in many publications like EDRA, HFES, The Design Journal, and was also a jury member of Berkeley Prize Essay Competition-2013, endorsed by UC Berkeley, USA. Here is her detailed CV.
Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth,
Co-Founder, Director &
Team Lead - Access Audits (Built Envt.), Capacity Building & Advocacy
Shri Dhariyal has contributed articles and presented papers on inclusive education, employment, mainstreaming disability, barrier free environment, community based inclusive development, etc. He also compiled a book entitled "Judgments on Disability Issues” and contributed in bringing out a Compendium on International and National Human Rights Regime for Persons with Disabilities; Disabled Friendly Sports Facilities; Guide book on Accessible Tourist Places in Delhi etc.
He has also been/is the Guest Faculty and trainer on a variety of disability issues in premier Training Institutes like Lal Bhadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie; Institute of Secretariat Training and Management, New Delhi; IIPA, New Delhi; UTCS, Govt. of NCT of Delhi; State Administrative Training Institutes, CSIR, ISRO, IOCL, NTPC, Oil India, Institute of Public Administration, Bengaluru, etc. Shri Dhariyal has also been/is a member of various expert committees in the Government, UGC, Universities, NIOS, Corporate Sector, NGOs/INGOs.
Prof. (Dr.) Rachna Khare
Director
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Dr. Rachna Khare
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She is a dedicated teacher and keen researcher for last Eighteen years. She was recognised as ‘Inspired Teacher’ by Hon’ble President of India and stayed Scholar-in-Residence at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2016.
Rachna is a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship and was affiliated with the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA during her PhD. Her research interests in the field of ‘Universal Design’ and ‘Designing for Special Needs’ have earned her grants and awards nationally and internationally. Apart from the Fulbright award, she is recipient of IMFAR-2009, Professionals from Developing Country Award, Chicago; Friends of Fulbright India Grant-2008, Lewisburg; Universal Design Award for Working professional-2011 by NEPEDP-Mphasis, India and R&D projects from All India Council of Technical Education and University Grants Commission in India. She works closely with the United Nations and consults internationally on disability issues and public access.
She has lectured extensively on Inclusive Design all over the world and has many papers in various National and International journals and conferences to her credit. Her papers appeared in the publications like Taylor and Francis, Sage, HFES, EDRA, RESNA and Archnet MIT. Her book ‘Designing Inclusive Educational Spaces for Autism’ published by the Institute of Human Centered Design, Boston, USA was released in 2010 at ‘Build Boston’, the book received ‘Certificate of Merit’ in ArchiDesign Award-2010. She has also edited special issues of internationally refereed journals called ‘SPANDREL’ on ‘Social sustenance’ in 2012 and ‘ABACUS’ on ‘Architecture for All’ in 2007. Some major events organised by her are ‘Universal Design Workshop’ and National Student Design Competition (NSDC-211) on ‘Universal Design/Design for All’-2011 in collaboration with the National Institute of Orthropaedically Handicapped, Kolkata and NSDC-2012 on ‘Universal Design for Exploring World Heritage Sites in India’ in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India and UNESCO. She serves as reviewer in many publications like EDRA, HFES, The Design Journal, and was also a jury member of Berkeley Prize Essay Competition-2013, endorsed by UC Berkeley, USA. Here is her detailed CV.
Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth,
Co-Founder, Director &
Team Lead - Access Audits (Built Envt.), Capacity Building & Advocacy
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| Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth |
An Accessibility, Universal Design & Diversity Inclusion Specialist; Lawyer & a Development Professional based in India, Subhash is passionately engaged in advocacy for human rights particularly, inclusion of women, seniors, transgender persons and persons with disabilities in the mainstream through policy reforms, formulation of standards on accessibility, accessibility assessment of built environment, websites, ICT and services, legal intervention for disability justice & promoting physical accessibility in public infrastructure, ICT & transportation systems.
Subhash is an IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). He is also an IAAP Certified Professional in Accessible Built Environment Level III Expert - (CPABE Level 3) - the first in India to achieve this highest credential in built environment.
Subhash is an Expert Member (Accessibility) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Committee on National Building Code of India 2016 and has extensively contributed to accessibility provisions in the recently revised building code. He was also on the Core Committee of Ministry of Urban Development, Govt of India for drafting “Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-free Built Environment for Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Persons” which was first notified under Section 15 of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules 2017 as the accessibility standard for built environment.
He is also a member on few other important BIS Sectional Committees namely Functional Requirements in Buildings (CED12); Active Assisted Living (LITD 35) focusing on accessibility of Information and Communication Technologies; a Sub Committee on Vulnerable Groups (SSD 09 : 03) and Expert Panel Member CED46(1) on the National Building Code of India. He is also a member of Accessibility Coordination Committee (coordinated by PGD) that is specially created to ensure accessible coordination among various technical committees of Bureau of Indian Standards. He is also a part of Sector wise Consultative Groups on Sustainability for Services Sector in the BIS.
Subhash has also been appointed as the Chairman, Advocacy Committee of the All India Confederation of the Blind in January 2025 which is a federation of 24 affiliates working in the blindness sector in India.
Subhash was also on the Committee of Experts constituted by University Grants Commission, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India for Accessibility Guidelines and Standards for Higher Education Institutions and Universities. He was nominated on the panel of Subject Matter Experts by the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities to advise and review Accessibility Standards and Guidelines formulated by different ministries and departments under Section 40 of the RPwD Act 2016. Subhash also serves as a Joint Secretary at the National Association for the Blind, Delhi.
Subhash is empanelled with Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India as an Access Audit Trainer and as an Accessibility Auditor, under the Accessible India Campaign. He has also been a visiting faculty at the National CPWD Academy, India for training of newly inducted officers (engineers and architects) and for promotional training of officers of Central Pubic Works Department, India. His is also a visiting faculty at the National Institute of Training on Standardisation (BIS) on accessibility. He has conducted Studios, Lectures, Electives, Winter/Summer Courses and Studios for students of School of Planning Architecture Delhi, Bhopal and CEPT University.
He serves on the Jury Panel of "We Care Film Festival " — an organisation which has been showcasing short films to raise awareness on disability issues, from around the world for over fifteen years.
Subhash was nominated by Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Delhi as a non official Member on the Advisory Committee of Experts constituted under sub-section (7) of section 79 the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 to assist the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, NCT of Delhi with effect from 02 June 2022 for a tenure of three years. Earlier, he was a Special Invitee (Domain Expert: Accessibility) on this Advisory Committee since 2018.
Subhash was the Communications Coordinator and a member of the Standing Committee on Accessible Transportation and Mobility, of the Transportation Research Board of National Academies, USA that focuses on studying problems relating to transportation disadvantaged and the services that various modes of transportation should provide for them as well as an assessment of the impact and value of programs directed at improving their mobility.
Besides a professional degree in Law, Subhash holds Masters Degrees in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management, Economics, Social Work & a PG Diploma in Developmental Therapy (Cerebral Palsy & Other Neurological Disabilities). He has also completed a course on "Universal Design & Accessibility Planning : an interdisciplinary approach to inclusive environments" from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. For more details visit www.subhashvashishth.com.
Mr. Amor Kool
Director &
Team Lead - Sustainability and Environment, Social & Governance (ESG)
Mr. Kool is a consulting Architect and Sustainability Expert. He is converging the philosophy of sustainability with that of accessibility and universal design in his architectural practice. He has been involved with several research projects ranging from View Shed Analysis through Global Information System (GIS), to Global Collaboration Process through 4D modelling.
He is an Environmental Strategist working on various aspects of sustainable development. His experience varies from practicing core architecture, construction management, sustainable development, ESG initiatives; to matters pertaining to climate resiliency, adaptation and sustainable finance.
Besides a professional degree in Law, Subhash holds Masters Degrees in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management, Economics, Social Work & a PG Diploma in Developmental Therapy (Cerebral Palsy & Other Neurological Disabilities). He has also completed a course on "Universal Design & Accessibility Planning : an interdisciplinary approach to inclusive environments" from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. For more details visit www.subhashvashishth.com.
Director &
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| Mr. Amor Kool |
He is an Environmental Strategist working on various aspects of sustainable development. His experience varies from practicing core architecture, construction management, sustainable development, ESG initiatives; to matters pertaining to climate resiliency, adaptation and sustainable finance.
Author of an academic book titled “A Leadership Guide for the construction professional” Amor is also a Member of BIS Technical Committee for Construction Management (including Life Safety in Construction), India, a Panel Member for Part 8 Section 1 Lighting and Ventilation; Part 4 Fire and Safety & also on Panel on Part 11 Approach to Sustainability in National Building Code of India.
Amor has conducted training sessions on Sustainability in Built Environment at National CPWD Academy for the Architects and Engineers of CPWD and has conducted numerous workshops, webinars and training sessions on the subject.
Amor is an Accredited Professional for LEED and IGBC. He has a Bachelors Degree in Architecture from School of Architecture, IPSA, Indore, M.P, India and a Master’s Degree in Construction Management from University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. He has also completed a course on "Universal Design & Accessibility Planning : an interdisciplinary approach to inclusive environments" from IIT Roorkee, India.
Amor is an Accredited Professional for LEED and IGBC. He has a Bachelors Degree in Architecture from School of Architecture, IPSA, Indore, M.P, India and a Master’s Degree in Construction Management from University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. He has also completed a course on "Universal Design & Accessibility Planning : an interdisciplinary approach to inclusive environments" from IIT Roorkee, India.
Mr. Mandeep Kumar Singh
Director &
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| Mr. Mandeep Kumar Singh |
Mandeep is a highly accomplished and result-driven business executive who brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as Team Lead for Resource Mobilization and CSR at the Foundation. His career is marked by a profound dedication to the Freight & Express Industry, where he currently serves as the Global Head of Business Development at Yuvraj Supply Chain Services (Yuvraj SCS).
Mandeep's professional journey began with a successful 10-year tenure in the Express Industry, during which he demonstrated his expertise in Business Development, Customer Service, and Product Development. His innate ability to connect with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds has made him a natural leader who leads by example and fosters a high-performance work culture within his sphere of influence.
Mandeep's specialization spans various aspects of the industry, including International Freight Forwarding, Customer Service, Cargo Charter Services (both Domestic and International), Customs Clearance (Import and Export), and Transitioning New Business. Consequently, he is an invaluable resource for the Foundation, contributing significantly to the development of new business opportunities, building corporate relations, and spearheading sustainability and CSR projects within the realm of social development. His passion and expertise make him an indispensable asset to the Foundation's mission and goals.
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The Team of Professionals
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| Mr. Tom Rickert |
Mr. Thomas E. Rickert (Tom Rickert)
Honorary Chief Editor,
CABE Newsletter "Inclusive Transportation Around the World"
Tom Rickert is a globally recognized expert in accessible transportation and the former Executive Director of Access Exchange International (AEI), a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, USA that has ceased to exist now. With decades of experience, he has played a pivotal role in shaping inclusive transport policies worldwide.
Before founding AEI in 1990, Tom led the development of accessible transport services for San Francisco’s public transit system. Since then, he has conducted workshops for the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and agencies in over 20 countries, advocating for transport systems that are inclusive of persons with disabilities and seniors.
Tom has authored key accessibility guidelines, including "Bus Rapid Transit Accessibility Guidelines" and "Mobility for All: Accessible Transportation Around the World", which serve as global references for inclusive public transport planning. Under his leadership, AEI hosted study tours, published accessibility guides in multiple languages, and connected stakeholders through a biannual newsletter reaching over 1,500 professionals in 80 countries.
At CABE Foundation, Tom serves as Honorary Chief Editor of the newsletter "Inclusive Transportation Around the World", sharing insights and best practices on making transportation systems accessible for all. He is assisted by an International Advisory Council. Read more about the Advisory Council here.
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| Ms. Lakshmy Gopan |
Advisor - Green Building & Energy Efficient Building Design
Ms. Gopan is an Architect and Project Management Professional with a distinguished four-decade career in the built environment sector. She holds an Architecture degree from University Visveswaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) and a master's in building engineering & management from the School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi, along with a qualification as an ADR professional from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. Her professional journey includes significant time with leading firm Omar Nisar Architects and the Building Materials & Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC). Most notably, Ms. Gopan joined the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in 2001 and rose to become the first Lady Chief Architect for the organization. In this role, she managed a diverse portfolio encompassing Mega Housing Projects, Commercial Centres, Sports Complexes, and Comprehensive Conservation Management Plans of Archaeological Parks. She was deeply involved in all project stages, from conceptualization and design development to site coordination and inter-departmental compliance with statutory bodies.
Ms. Gopan's expertise is centered on critical areas of sustainable and inclusive development, including the implementation of Barrier Free Universal Designs and the promotion of Green Building & Sustainable Energy efficient Built Environment Design. As part of her earlier work at BMTPC, she was instrumental in developing Earthquake Resistant Building Designs and creating guidelines for Cyclone Resistant construction. Post-retirement from DDA in February 2023, she has continued to contribute as an Advisor/Domain Expert for organizations such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
As a Convener in BIS Committees, she actively contributes to the Formulation, Revision, and Harmonization of specifications, including leading the Working Group for the Revision of IS 4963. Her profile underscores a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary domain knowledge, coupled with excellent leadership qualities, ensuring projects are successfully brought to their logical conclusion. At CABE Ms. Gopan actively advises the team across verticals of built environment and energy efficient buildings.
Mr. Sada Gopan
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| Mr. Sada Gopan |
Sada Gopan is a senior Engineer and Project Management professional with multidisciplinary expertise spanning engineering, contracts, arbitration, and sustainable infrastructure development. A qualified Chemical Engineer from Panjab University, with a PGD in Construction Management, ADR credentials from NALSAR, and certifications in IPR and IT, he has held senior leadership roles in national and international organisations for over three decades.
He has extensive experience in a host of Industries in diverse Product lines including Energy conservation High temperature thermal Insulation building products development and application engineering in Cement, Power, Refinery, Fertilizer and Steel sectors
His professional experience includes managing large-scale EPC and mega power plant projects from offices across India, Europe, and the United States, with deep proficiency in international contracts, project financing, arbitration, contract claims, and end-to-end project execution.
Following the onset of limited mobility, Mr. Gopan transitioned to consultancy, leveraging his vast techno-commercial expertise to contribute to academia, policy, and professional practice. He has served as a consultant to the Council of Architecture (CoA) in drafting standard client-architect agreements, as an expert faculty and examiner on contract management and arbitration, and as a technical contributor to environmental impact assessment literature. His work increasingly focuses on environmentally sustainable, barrier-free, and universally accessible infrastructure, combining professional expertise with lived experience. Through his writing, advisory roles, and project engagements, he advocates for inclusive design and universal accessibility as foundational principles of truly sustainable development.
Mr. Prashant Ranjan Verma
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| Mr. Prashant Verma |
Prasant Ranjan Verma is a seasoned Accessibility and Usability evangelist with extensive experience in accessibility testing, digital inclusion, and assistive technology. He has provided accessibility consulting services to global organizations, including UN agencies (UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP), Microsoft, RNIB UK, and Dolphin Computers.
As a partially sighted professional, Mr. Verma brings lived experience to his work, specializing in workplace accommodations and independent living solutions for persons with low vision. He has served as a Digital Accessibility Consultant for the UN EOSG office and continues to support the DAISY Consortium in inclusive publishing and accessible format conversion.
At CABE Foundation, Mr. Verma leads access audits for Information & Communication Technology (ICT), ensuring digital environments meet accessibility standards. He also serves as Chairman of the Sugamya Pustakalaya Committee, overseeing India’s national online library for accessible books, and as the Honorary General Secretary of the National Association for the Blind, Delhi.
His contributions to accessibility have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (2007), the NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Award (2011), and the Excellence Award from the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (2018).
Dr. Parul Sharma
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| Dr. Parul Sharma |
Dr. Parul Sharma is a distinguished Management and Inclusive City Planning Consultant with 17 years of comprehensive full-time experience. His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Developing Accessible Urban Spaces for Persons with Disabilities in India from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, where he also earned his Bachelor of Physical Planning (2003-07). He further holds a Master of Environmental Management & Development from The Australian National University, Australia (2010-11), and a Master of Business Administration (Real Estate) from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi (2008-12). Dr. Sharma’s expertise is centered on driving inclusive urban development, encompassing key principles like Climate Risk Analysis, Gender Equality, Urban Infrastructure financing, Accessibility, and Disability Rights. His international exposure includes serving as a Co-instructor at the University of California, Berkeley, for master's level architecture and planning students.
His career is marked by high-level leadership in strategy, partnerships, and program implementation, with a focus on mainstreaming the 'Leave No One Behind' (LNOB) principle across South Asian countries (India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka). Dr. Sharma has worked extensively with a diverse range of organizations, including UN Agencies (UNESCAP, UN-Habitat, GIZ, UNOICT), Central/State Government Ministries, and civil society organizations. He has demonstrated success in establishing and managing large-scale alliances, notably leading the initiative for a REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER NETWORK in South Asia and the Universal Accessibility Alliance at the national level in India. He served as a Senior Consultant and Lead Member for the Accessible India Campaign of the Government of India, managing national operations, stakeholder coordination, and the formulation of action plans aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 6, 10, 11, 16, and 17).
Mr. Kiran P. Bhagwat
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| Mr. Kiran Bhagwat |
Kiran Bhagwat is a certified architect registered with the Council of Architecture in India, with over 15 years of extensive experience in the management of large-scale residential and commercial projects and developments. His expertise spans various facets, including conceptual design, schematic design, working drawing preparation, cost estimation, securing building and land approvals, meticulous site supervision, and efficient project management, including cashflow analysis. Kiran has notably contributed to the realization of multi-storied high-rise residential and commercial buildings, as well as township projects across major cities in India, including Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. His impressive portfolio also includes substantial involvement in Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects for the Maharashtra State Textile Corporation (MSTC).
Kiran holds a bachelor's degree in architecture from Mumbai University, and he has further enriched his knowledge by completing a master's in design research (with a focus on Disability) from London Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom. His research findings have been recognized and published by the Royal College of Art, London, in its prestigious INCLUDE Conferences, highlighting his significant contributions to the field of accessibility and design research. Kiran Bhagwat's wealth of experience and dedication to inclusive design make him an invaluable leader in the realm of Access Appraisals.
Mr. Devansh Vashishth
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| Mr. Devansh Vashishth |
Devansh is an accessibility auditor for web and non-web applications, technologies. He specialises in accessibility testing on standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), IS 17802 (Indian Standard for accessibility of ICT), EN 301 549 (European Standard) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act 1973 (US Requirements)
He also specialises as a trained Auditor for ISMS (Information security Management System ISO 27001), IT and Cyber Security, IT Risk Management.
He holds a bachelor's degree in computer science engineering from Galgotias University, India and champions digital inclusivity by creating barrier-free experiences for all users at CABE.
Mr. Aryan Bhardwaj
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| Mr. Aryan Bhardwaj |
Aryan Bhardwaj is an accessibility test engineer at CABE Foundation, supporting digital accessibility audits, compliance assessments, and inclusive technology initiatives. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer science engineering from IILM College of Engineering & Technology, affiliated with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), and brings strong expertise in accessibility testing aligned with WCAG 2.0, 2.1 and 2.2, Section 508, and WAI-ARIA requirements.
At CABE, he contributes to ICT accessibility assessments, documentation, and remediation guidance using assistive technologies and testing tools such as JAWS, NVDA, TalkBack, VoiceOver, Axe, Color Contrast Analyzer, and keyboard-only navigation. Aryan is a Certified Section 508 Trusted Tester, recognised by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and supports CABE’s advisory and capacity-building work by strengthening the quality and rigour of digital accessibility evaluations.
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