Amid life’s challenges, certain stories highlight the ability to overcome adversity, turning limitations into meaningful expressions of inner strength. Amazon believes in the power of diverse perspectives and experiences. The company's commitment to inclusivity is exemplified through the contributions of employees like Jayashree Rajagopalan, a Senior Software Development Manager (SDM) at Amazon Prime Video & Studios CoreTech. Her journey as a person with a disability emphasizes the significance of adaptability and resilience, showcasing her courage as a testament to the power of advocacy, the role of technology, and the necessity of inclusivity, while underscoring the importance of empowering individuals navigating unique challenges.
Hailing from Trichy, Tamil Nadu, Jayashree was born with Stargardt disease, a genetic condition that affected her central vision. Disability never made hertake a backseat in life. Herenthusiasm to never stop learning led her to pursue B-Tech from Trichy NIT and later pursuean MS at California State University, San Jose. With 16 years of expertise in telecom applications, her career reached new heights in 2016 when she joined Amazon as a Software Development Manager, marking a transformative milestone in her journey.
Jayashree’s journey has had its challenges. In2020, her sight loss worsened, making it difficult to read even with the largest font settings. After taking a six-week break to adjust, when she returned,her manager provided consistent and unwavering support. She also connected with other employees with visual disabilities, gaining valuable insights and strategies that helped rebuild her confidence. While tasks like reading hardcopy documents or recognizing colleagues continue to be challenging, Jayashree’s inability to recognize someone is sometimes misunderstood, underscoring the need for greater awareness and understanding. Despite these obstacles, she remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace by raising awareness of her disability and encouraging open, empathetic conversations.
Amazon's inclusive culture became a cornerstone of Jayashree's journey. The company’s resources for support toward persons with disabilities helped her discover practical strategies through accessible technologies She says, “Amazon has been truly transformative for me. With support from my manager, HR team, and colleagues, along with assistive technologies like text-to-speech software, magnifiers, and large monitors, enabled me to excel in my role. These thoughtful accommodations empower me to stay productive, independent, and effective in my work."
Beyond her professional achievements, Jayashree is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others. As an active member of Amazon India’s Persons with Disabilities (PWD) affinity group for employees, she works to raise awareness about the technologies and support systems that empower individuals with disabilities. Her team plays a key role in developing accessibility features such as closed captions and audio descriptions for Prime Video, ensuring that entertainment is accessible to all.
Apart from work, Jayashree is passionate about traveling, experimenting with new recipes, and immersing herself in audiobooks. By balancing her career, personal pursuits, and advocacy, herapproach to life exuberatesa determined and purposeful approach to living life to the fullest.
Amazon India remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating an inclusive culture that offers equal opportunities for all individuals to reach their full potential. The company’s focus extends beyond gender diversity to include underrepresented groups such as women, LGBTQIA+, military veterans, and people with disabilities. At Amazon, diversity is not only a value but a driving force for innovation, customer understanding, and better decision-making. This commitment is reflected in the company’s policies, programs, and initiatives, all aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.