Dr. Sachin Pavithran Assumes Policy Leadership Role At The CPD

The Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University has appointed Dr. Sachin Pavithran as its policy director, effective July 1.

The Center has been involved in policy issues since its inception in the early 1970s, when it secured funding to educate children with developmental disabilities. At the time, schools were turning children with disabilities away.

While issues have come and gone, Pavithran said it’s important for the CPD to continue giving people with disabilities a voice in public policy. The CPD will bring a data-driven approach to advocacy for civil rights and inclusion at all levels of society.

“Policy work helps influence the laws that impact people with disabilities,” he said.

Pavithran’s experience in the policy arena includes an appointment to the US Commission on Civil Rights, as well as work on the US Access Board, where he chairs several rule-making committees. He sits on the research and development committee for the National Federation of the Blind, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities’ national board, and Senator Orrin Hatch’s Advisory committee for disability policy.

“I have confidence in Sachin’s ability to provide leadership in the policy arena,” said CPD director Matthew Wappett. “I look forward to working with him to manage and expand the policy work at the CPD.”

Pavithran will also continue as the CPD's Director of the Utah Assistive Technology Program.