Re: An Introduction: Pooja Nahata

wellcome Pooja,

Nice to have a person from India here.

Emmanuelle.
------------------

Emmanuelle Gutiérrez y Restrepo
Sidar Foundation Director
www.sidar.org
email: emmanuelle@sidar.org


2011/11/7 <Pooja.Nahata@cognizant.com>

> 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 naďve 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
> Twitter: 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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>



-- 
Emmanuelle Gutiérrez y Restrepo
Fundación y Seminario SIDAR
URL: www.sidar.org
email: emmanuelle@sidar.org