Roy Payan
Los Angeles, CA USA
"I envision a world that too many others are too blind to see. They ask why, and I ask why not."
Career Roadmap
Roy's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Politics, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Rehabilitation Services
California State University, Los Angeles
Graduate Degree
Nonprofit Leadership and Management
University of Southern California
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
After losing my sight as an adult, I had to restart my life and figure out how I was going to move forward.
2.
I enrolled in college, only to discover that websites, learning tools, books, and even library resources were often inaccessible to me.
3.
After professors told me I didn’t belong in their classes, I fought back and challenged the discrimination I was experiencing.
4.
I sued my community college district over accessibility barriers and won my case in federal court, beginning a years-long legal fight for disability rights.
5.
Realizing my fight was bigger than me, I began advocating for students with disabilities who felt too scared or intimidated to challenge the system.
6.
I earned two bachelor’s degrees at Cal State LA—rehabilitation counseling to understand disabilities, and public policy to help create change.
7.
I continued my education at USC for my master’s and began pursuing a doctorate in public policy focused on the rights of people with disabilities.
8.
Today, I advocate for people facing barriers in education, work, and housing, helping them understand their rights and learn to advocate for themselves.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Teachers:
I can't have you in my class because you're blind. You're going to slow us down. You don't belong here.
How I responded:
I faced discrimination from multiple college professors. One told me my blindness would slow the class down. Another said that I don't belong there—that I was taking a seat away from an abled person. They knew better than to perpetuate race or gender discrimination, but it was a different story when it came to people with disabilities. I ended up suing the college over accessibility barriers and won my case in federal court. I've since spent my career helping others like me fight for inclusion.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
After losing my sight as an adult, I experienced a lot of inaccessibility and discrimination, especially in school. I've since dedicated my career to advocating for students and people with disabilities.