A key factor impacting the effective inclusion of blind and low-vision persons into the social mainstream is the lack of awareness concerning the lives of the visually challenged, as also the presence of myths concerning them. The Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) has recognized this need and has tackled this issue through awareness initiatives such as its flagship event Antarchakshu®—The Eye Within and an active engagement with policymakers through advocacy initiatives. This session will touch upon this dual approach in terms of its antecedents, approach, and case examples. 

Dr. Sam Taraporevala, retired as Associate Professor & Head Department of Sociology and Anthropology of St. Xavier’s College, Autonomous, Mumbai. He is currently the Executive Director of the Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) which he founded in 2003. He has been actively involved in advocacy and awareness work in the field of social inclusion using applied research to address key access challenges for persons with blindness and low vision. He has been at the forefront of work resulting in the amendment of the Copyright Act, India in 2012, deployment of over 30000 accessible ATMs in India and opening up of science education for blind and low vision students.

He is currently on various national bodies including

• Vice President & Chair, Committee on Policy Intervention, DAISY Forum of India
• Member, Braille Council of India (BCI)
• He has also been Member, Expert committee to decide and list out modern assistive devices for all categories of PWDs under revised ADIP Scheme, Department of Disability Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India

Other positions held:

• Member, Expert Committee for the Resource Centre for Persons with Different Disabilities, National Library, Kolkata.
• Member, Task force for National Centre of Universal Design and Barrier free Environment for Persons with Disabilities, India.
• Member, Board of Studies, Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai.
• Member, National Selection Committee for selecting the awardees for the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Member, Sub-group on Accessibility, Mobility, Research & Innovation to give inputs for the 12^th Five year Plan.
• At St. Xavier’s College, Autonomous Mumbai he was on various committees including:.

1. Member, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC)
2. Member Academic board
3. Chairman Board of Studies – Sociology and Anthropology
4. Executive Convenor – Enabling Committee

Date:  Saturday July 4, 06.30 PM IST 

(Saturday, July 4, 9.00 AM US EST.)

Please adjust for your own time zone!