Webinar

Welcome to GAAD 2024 - Empowering Accessibility in APAC!

Virtual Event

Live event completed. Recording coming soon.

At Deque Systems, we're thrilled to invite you to the most anticipated event of the year - the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2024! Get ready to be part of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing digital accessibility in APAC. Join us as we embark on a transformative journey to create a more inclusive digital landscape for all. Prepare to be inspired, educated, and empowered by thought leaders, industry experts, and accessibility advocates. From engaging sessions to interactive workshops, GAAD 2024 promises a day filled with insights, innovation, and action. Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of the accessibility revolution!

Highlights:

Engage with industry experts through thought-provoking sessions.
Network with like-minded peers and exchange ideas.
Discover cutting-edge tools and strategies for digital accessibility.
Be part of a transformative journey towards creating a more inclusive digital landscape.

A happy user surrounded by accessibility and disability iconography

Event Agenda:

Join us for this engaging agenda on May 16, running from 10:00 AM (IST) onwards.

Keynote - "Get Pumped for GAAD!
State of Accessibility in Australia
State of Accessibility in APAC
Supercharge Your Accessibility with Deque Free Tools
Legal Implications of Accessibility in APAC
Dive into the Latest Accessibility Trends in APAC
Panel Discussion - "Envisioning the Future of Accessibility."
Application for AI for Accessibility
Accessibility Landscape in the Middle East: A Closer Look
Thank You Note

About the Speakers

Aparna Pasi

Vice President - Services, Deque

Aparna Pasi, VP of Services at Deque, is a pioneering figure in accessibility with 16+ years of experience. She leads cross-cultural teams, ensuring accessibility is central to projects across various sectors, fostering innovation and inclusivity in digital solutions. Her commitment to bridging business needs with user-centric design drives the creation of a more inclusive digital world.

Rajesh Aggarwal

Secretary - Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India

Rajesh Aggarwal is the Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. He has over three decades of experience and has spearheaded groundbreaking eGovernance initiatives during his tenure as IT Secretary of Maharashtra, earning over 300 national and international awards. Rajesh is now focused on leveraging technology, particularly AI and biotechnology, to empower persons with disabilities.

Brigitta (Bri) Norton

Digital Strategist, Accessibility Specialist

Brigitta (Bri) Norton is a Digital Strategist and Accessibility specialist based in Canberra, Australia. She's been an Accessibility Lead for State and Federal Government and co-developed inclusive research workshops to include accessibility earlier in the project lifecycle. Bri is also the co-chair for Australia’s Web Accessibility Initiative OZeWAI.org and a member of the ResearchOps.Community Cheese Board.

Dipendra Manocha

Director - Developing Countries, DAISY Consortium

Dipendra Manocha, Director of the developing countries program at the DAISY Consortium, is dedicated to facilitating inclusion for persons with visual disabilities through technology solutions. He's a key figure in various international committees and organizations promoting accessibility.

Raju Burnwal

Director - Sales, Deque

Raju Burnwal, Director of Sales at Deque, advocates for web accessibility in India and APAC, emphasizing its value for business growth. With 18+ years of experience, he educates businesses on cost-effective accessibility solutions.

Nanda Kishore

Associate Director - Services, Deque

Nanda Kishore, Associate Director of Services at Deque, is a distinguished leader in accessibility with over two decades of experience in enterprise software. His career spans roles in Product Engineering, Product Management, Consulting, and Pre-Sales. As a Certified Accessibility Subject Matter Expert and founder of a software company, Nanda champions inclusivity and works to remove accessibility barriers for a more equitable world.

Amar Jain

Corporate Lawyer, Certified Professional - Web Accessibility, Co-Founder - Mission Accessibility

Amar Jain is a lawyer specialising in corporate law and disability rights. He holds certification in Web Accessibility. He advocates for disability rights, focusing on advocacy, accessibility, financial inclusion, and sensitisation. Amar collaborates with various organisations and government bodies to ensure compliance and improve accessibility standards, as well as conducting sensitisation sessions for diverse audiences.

Mousumee Mahapatro

Director of Engineering, Deque

Mousumee Mahapatro is an experienced Director of Engineering at Deque with expertise in product development, quality engineering, and DevOps for large-scale SaaS applications. She is an evangelist of Agile methodologies, engineering best practices, and fostering innovations. She leads cross-functional teams, devises effective strategies, and is committed to building high-performing teams through talent development.

Aditya Mandan

Product Escalation Manager, Deque

Aditya Mandan, a para-powerlifter and Product Escalation Manager at Deque, leverages his 10+ years of professional experience to streamline processes and maximize customer value. He founded STRENTOR to promote strength and wellness for all.

Danish Mahajan

Founder, Radio Udaan

Danish Mahajan, founder of "Radio Udaan," is a leading advocate for disability rights and empowerment in India. His impact extends from community radio to policy advocacy, earning him prestigious awards and recognition for his transformative advocacy work.

Srinivasu Chakravarthula

Director - Product Accessibility, Freshworks

Srinivasu has over 20 years of experience in accessibility and is currently the Director of Product Accessibility at Freshworks. He has worked with companies such as Yahoo India, PayPal, and HCLTech to build accessibility practices. Srinivasu is also a speaker, advisor, and mentor for various organizations.

Neetu Taj

Global DEI Strategist, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories

Neetu Taj, Global DEI Strategist at Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, has over 10 years of experience in consulting, training, and content management with expertise in people management and internal communications. She is currently seeking a challenging role to elevate her career in organizations committed to fostering exceptional work cultures.

Bhavya Sharma

Director - Communications and ESG, Urban Company

Bhavya Sharma, Director of Communications and ESG at Urban Company, is a seasoned communications strategist with nearly 15 years of experience spanning B2B and B2C sectors, including roles at EY and PolicyBazaar Group. Over her 6+ years at Urban Company, she's been pivotal in establishing the Communications and ESG functions, focusing on partner enablement initiatives, and spearheading accessibility projects for the consumer app.

Joy Mustafi

Founder Chairman, MUST Research

Joy Mustafi is a Top 10 Data Scientist in India with 20 years of experience in corporate, research, and academia. He has collaborated with 25+ leading universities, supported 15+ startups and non-profits, and holds 100+ patents and 50+ publications in Machine Learning. Joy is also recognized as the #1 Data Science Influencer in India and has mentored over 1000 practitioners.

Maisa Obeid

Manager ‑ Accessibility ‑ Sustainability Assurance, Expo City Dubai

Maisa Obeid is a certified international accessibility specialist with over a decade of experience in accessibility and inclusivity. She manages the accessibility program at Expo City Dubai and is also the UAE Country Representative for G3ict, advocating for the advancement of digital access for persons with disabilities. Maisa has a healthcare background as a trained optometrist and is currently a doctoral candidate in E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning at Lancaster University.

Abin Roy Choudhury

Vice President - Global Sales & Operations, Deque

Abin Roy Choudhury is the VP of Operations at Deque Systems in APAC, with 18+ years of experience in accessibility. He holds a CFO program from IIM Calcutta and an MBA from MIT Pune. Abin fosters revenue growth and organizational culture, guiding Fortune 500 companies toward digital equality through strategic leadership. Beyond work, he enjoys travel and writing, seeking solutions to real-world problems.

Sunitha Sriekumaar

Director - Human Resources Operations, Deque

Sunitha Sriekumaar, Director of HR at Deque, is a seasoned HR professional with 17+ years of experience. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management from XLRI, she excels in talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR strategy. Sunitha fosters inclusivity, communication, and continuous improvement in her leadership.