EDI Changemaker strives to design with accessibility in mind

In a world increasingly reliant on rapidly evolving technologies, Arjun Rijhwani said putting accessibility at the heart of the design process ensures everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, work and thrive.

“Inclusion is going back to the principle of having accessibility as part of your foundation,” said Rijhwani, Web Accessibility Specialist at Brock University. “Having accessibility and empathy as part of your universal design — and seeing that as a strength — always makes good economic, financial and business sense and enables you to build a more wholesome and impactful community.”

Rijhwani’s contributions to Brock’s ongoing web and digital accessibility work drove his recent recognition as the EDI Changemaker of the Month for January.

The award is presented by Brock’s Office of Human Rights and Equity (HRE) each month to a student, staff or faculty member who has helped advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on campus.

HRE’s Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor Megan Kuzak worked with Rijhwani on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) web compliance initiatives this past year.

“Arjun is knowledgeable and dedicated to accessibility; he has worked to educate web content managers on accessible web content and is always available to answer questions regarding web accessibility,” she said. “He has gone above and beyond in his role, and it shows through the care he puts in his work.”

Rijhwani is passionate about accessible design and adapting technology in built environments to better suit the needs of users with a range of abilities.

Prior to coming to Brock, he worked as a program lead for technology-focused social programs with the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB). In the role, Rijhwani assisted clients with using smartphones and other devices as well as developing job readiness skills.

That experience, paired with identifying accessibility challenges that accompanied the widespread digital transformation during COVID-19, inspired him to focus more intensively on initiatives that meet the needs of the disability community in a changing digital landscape.

Being able to do so at the University has personal significance, he added, as he has lived with a vision impairment since the age of 10.

“For most of my own educational experience, I went through the process of requesting accommodations, time increases on assignments and exams and so forth,” Rijhwani said. “Dealing with challenges first-hand means that I speak from a first-person perspective, and I can provide anecdotes and examples to inform my work with others.”

Seeing the concrete impact his efforts have on others in the community further fuels his passion, he said.

“That’s why I like waking up to go to work in the morning; hearing even one person tell me that because of work we’ve done, they’re now able to access information that they weren’t able to before,” Rijhwani said.

While he was once insecure about talking about his disability, Rijhwani says he now “prides himself on being able to share his experiences” with overcoming obstacles in the hopes it will inspire others to do the same.

“I want to thank the entire team for selecting me as a Changemaker, as it provides an opportunity for both education and advocacy,” he said. “There may be others who are going through similar struggles who may not be able to voice their challenges, so having the ability to speak on this more confidently and effectively can continue to drive change to accessibility and inclusion practices.”

EDI Changemaker criteria and nomination information is available on the HRE website.


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