An Introduction: Pooja Nahata

Greetings EWOG,

 

I am Pooja Nahata, new addition to the EWOG. I am a passionate Accessibility evangelist, with main interest in spreading awareness about accessibility and the need for accessible solutions as that's the base to create a demand and thereby a lucrative business for Accessibility Services.

 

I lead the Accessibility CoE at Cognizant, set it up in 2010 when I joined them after working with BarrierBreak Technologies for 7 years. I started off my career as a Technical Writer authoring educational content on technologies. I was introduced to the concept of Accessibility when first time in life I had interacted with a blind person using computers in 2004- I was as shocked as one could be, as in the Indian educational system there is no concept of equality for persons with disabilities, we were never made aware that there are persons with disabilities so understanding their problems and needs was out of the question.  That's when I decided to use my knowledge on technology to empower persons with disabilities. 

 

During my tenure at BarrierBreak Technologies - I started as an Accessibility consultant evaluating websites, providing recommendations, AT testing etc. Since Indian companies were naïve to the concept of accessibility we decided to create awareness by conducting trainings - I authored training content for web and software based on Section 508 and WCAG 1.0. Since I was breathing accessibility 24*7, I decided to take on marketing and sales for BarrierBreak Accessibility offerings. I was instrumental in conceptualizing and executing Techshare India 2008 & 2010 - an international conference on accessibility and assistive technology exhibition with over 400 delegates and 50 assistive technology vendors across the globe. 

 

At Cognizant, the goal is to institutionalize accessibility -setup Accessibility Task Force, Conduct Trainings - WCAG 2.0, Business Development etc. Working with different LoBs to make Web, PDF, and Mobile accessible.  In March 2011, lead a team to win the first place at Knowbility's AIR competition. My goal is to educate every technology stakeholder about accessibility, as it not only empowers persons with disabilities but also makes good business sense. I look forward to my participation in EOWG as another way of achieving the same goal.

 

Apart from my day job at Cognizant I am on the advisory committee of NASSCOM foundation focusing on Accessibility Initiatives for Indian IT companies. In addition, I am working with W3C India team as technical expert. During my spare time I read, watch movies, indulge in adventurous sports and enjoy backpack travelling. I am currently based out of Mumbai, India but keep travelling to the states for work. 

 

I look forward to actively learn and share!

 

Pooja Nahata | Accessibility Practice Lead

Content & Design Services @ Cognizant Technology Solutions

Vnet: 283170 | Hand Phone: +91-9820725102

LinkedIn: http://in.linkedin.com/in/poojanahata <http://in.linkedin.com/in/poojanahata> 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Pooja_Nahata <http://twitter.com/Pooja_Nahata> 

For most people, Accessibility makes things easier. For people with disabilities, Accessibility makes things possible. 

Get your competitive advantage with Accessibility today!

 



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