Alwar Pillai : In the dynamic world of technology and design, where innovation drives progress, there are individuals whose journeys inspire and motivate us to envision a more inclusive future. Alwar Pillai, the Founder and CEO of Fable Tech Labs, is undoubtedly one of these exceptional individuals.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and a commitment to making technology accessible to everyone, especially those on the margins.
The Early Years of Alwar Pillai: A Foundation of Learning
Alwar Pillai’s educational journey began in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, at The School-KFI, where she laid the foundation of her academic curiosity from 2001 to 2008. This early exposure to diverse perspectives and a culture of inquiry would shape her future endeavors.
Fast forward to 2010, Alwar embarked on her Bachelor of Design with a specialization in User Experience Design at the Symbiosis Institute of Design. It was during these years that her fascination with user experience and design began to take root. Little did she know that her passion for making technology user-friendly would lead her on a transformative journey across continents.
A Leap of Faith: Embracing Canada
In 2015, Alwar Pillai took a bold step, leaving behind the familiar landscapes of India to start a new chapter in Canada. Like many newcomers, she faced the challenges of acclimating to a new culture and navigating the complexities of life in a foreign land. To support herself during this transition, she worked as a waitress, demonstrating her resilience and determination to achieve her goals.
The Pursuit of Excellence: Mastering Inclusive Design
While balancing work and life in Canada, Alwar Pillai pursued her Masters of Design in Inclusive Design at OCAD University from 2015 to 2017. This academic pursuit was not just about earning a degree; it was about diving deep into the world of inclusive design, a field that was becoming increasingly critical in our digitally-driven society.
During her studies, Alwar’s passion for accessibility flourished. She realized that true progress in digital accessibility could only be achieved by placing the experiences of people with disabilities at the heart of design. This epiphany would become the guiding principle of her future endeavors.
Becoming an Accessibility Expert: Championing Inclusivity
Before even completing her master’s program, Alwar Pillai became an accessibility expert for the province of Ontario. Her expertise was recognized and sought after, catapulting her into a leadership role at Rogers Communications, where she led digital accessibility initiatives. Her dedication to ensuring that digital products were accessible to all users made her a prominent figure in the accessibility field.
Fable Tech Labs: A Vision for Inclusive Design
Today, Alwar Pillai is the CEO of Fable Tech Labs, a pioneering online platform that empowers companies to test their digital products with people who have disabilities. Fable’s mission is clear: to make digital products as usable as possible for a wide range of users, focusing on the experiences of those with disabilities to drive accessibility improvements.
Alwar Pillai & Her Leadership
Under Alwar’s visionary leadership, Fable Tech Labs has become a beacon of hope for inclusive design. Her commitment to shifting the conversation from mere “accessibility compliance” to practicing inclusive design at scale has garnered recognition from Forbes, which named her one of the Top 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneurs. The Globe and Mail also celebrated her as one of the Top 50 Changemakers.
A Message of Inclusivity and Empathy
In Alwar Pillai’s own words, “I am not an expert. I am experienced in digital accessibility work, but the experts are those with lived experience – people with disabilities. My job as a researcher and designer is to listen to the experts, and that’s what we’re making easier at Fable.”
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