Kartik Sawhney
A peach gradient background with navy text has “The D-30 Disability Impact List” at the top centered above “2022 Honoree” which is in between two laurels. The words “Kartik Sawhney he/him/his United States” is to the left of a picture of Kartik, which fills the right. At the bottom, “Diversability, #D30DisList.” fills the left corner.
Kartik Sawhney (He/him/his)
Co-founder, I-Stem
United States
Kartik is a pioneer for inclusive education and employment opportunities in India, particularly in high-growth industries. As the first blind student in India to pursue science education in high school after challenging the central board of education (which until then did not allow blind students to pursue STEM education in high school) and working with engineering schools to open their doors for blind students, he paved the way and hundreds of other students interested in technical education. Despite his lived experience, as an entrepreneur, Kartik co-created with the community, constantly seeking to leverage his expertise in accessibility and tech to develop solutions that can truly help. Additionally, he understands intersectional identities and has been particularly focused to include the most underrepresented including developing SMS/IVR-based conversational systems for those without smartphones or data, targeted outreach for women with disabilities etc.
Kartik developed the I-Stem app that converts inaccessible content into accessible formats retaining the layout and formatting. Unlike other OCR apps, this helps facilitates the consumption of complex technical documents including STEM content, multi-column textbooks, documents with headings, lists etc. Over 2,000 print-disabled users are using the app. Also, Kartik organized Inclusive Stem Confluence, an event bringing together people with disabilities from across the country, corporates, and academic institutes.
We asked Kartik if he’d like to add anything else to his accomplishments, he stated: “Development of technology that provides students and professionals with print disabilities access to digital content and resources on an equal basisstory_fbid=10217197550969635&id=1796495293”