Soovan Sharma Dookhoo: Dedication for Inclusion and Accessibility
Welcome to my vibrant world, where ambition and an unwavering commitment to catalyze positive change drive every endeavor. I am Soovan Sharma Dookhoo, and my life’s journey has been shaped by a diverse array of experiences—navigating the challenges of living with disabilities stemming from premature birth, including birth asphyxia, delayed milestones, bronchial asthma, and bilateral keratoconus. My narrative revolves around an insatiable pursuit of excellence, a dedication to research and consultancy, and a burning passion for creating a more inclusive world.
My mission is to dismantle barriers that exclude persons with disabilities from mainstream society, by embedding inclusion into systems and processes often designed without us in mind.
🎓 Academic and Fellowship Background
- BSc (Hons) Management (Minor: Business Informatics) – University of Mauritius
- MBA (General Management) – University of Technology, Mauritius
- Mandela Washington Fellow 2024 – University of Delaware, specializing in Disability Inclusion, Accessibility, and Research
- YALI Civic Leadership Cohort 22 – University of South Africa (Top 3 ranked)
🌐 Global Representation and Professional Roles
- Executive Member, Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum – Chair, Climate Change Committee
- Management Support Officer, Government of Mauritius.
- Former Liaison Officer, Special Education Needs Authority (SENA) – led accessibility audits and inclusive education coordination
- Dissertation Supervisor, Open University of Mauritius – coaching future researchers in inclusive policy
🗣️ Key International Engagements
2025
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning Systems for SEN Schools
- Early Detection and Identification of Disabilities – Early Childhood Care and Education Authority
2024
- Inclusive Africa Conference – Assistive Technology and Disaster Inclusion
- Beijing AU Consultation – SDGs & Women with Disabilities
- Africa Tech Expo – Assistive Innovation Panel
- SENA International Day Persons with Disabilities Panelist – Disability and Education
2023
- United Nations (UNCRPD, Article 11) – Climate Action & Risk Reduction
- COP28 Dubai – Disability-inclusive Emergency Response
- Russia–Africa Forum – Accessibility in Peacebuilding
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (India) – Representative for Disability Community
- Australian High Commission – “Normalising Inclusion” Panel
2022–2021
- SENA Symposium – Challenges in Inclusive Education
- Medical Council of Mauritius – Accessibility in Healthcare
- Author: True Love Mindful Myth – proceeds fund disability research
💼 Consultancy, Research & Impact
As a consultant in accessibility and inclusion, I conduct audits of public and private spaces, lead emergency preparedness workshops, and contribute to AI-driven strategies for disability-inclusive disaster response. I also contributed to Mauritius’ early detection and intervention framework in early childhood education.
My work spans across local policy development and international platforms—always driven by the principle: “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
💬 Let’s Connect
Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, innovator, or activist—I welcome collaboration to build a world that celebrates diversity and champions the rights of persons with disabilities.
🔗 Learn more at: www.soovandookhoo.com
Soovan Sharma Dookhoo 