Simon Wheatcroft, a blind ultra runner and inspirational speaker, was born with a genetic eye disorder and lost his sight at the age of 17. Despite this, he has gone on to achieve remarkable feats, including competing in ultra-marathons, climbing mountains, and educating students. A tech pioneer and award-winning educator, Simon refuses to let his blindness define him.
He blends his passion for technology with an unwavering belief in his abilities to overcome challenges. Whether he’s running long distances or teaching in the classroom, Simon uses technology to push past obstacles and inspire others to do the same. His background in technology and psychology empowers him to challenge the boundaries of possibility, encouraging his audience to explore their potential.
With experience at top tech companies like IBM, MIT, and Google, Simon is dedicated to advancing inclusive technology. He works to create solutions that empower individuals with disabilities, including developing robotic control systems for those with motor neurone disease, AI-powered machine learning systems, and the sonification of data analysis. Simon also founded Hackcessible, an accessible hackathon that promotes inclusivity and diversity in the tech scene.
In the classroom, Simon’s passion for inspiring future tech leaders has earned him the Pearson National Teaching Gold Award for Outstanding New Teacher. His groundbreaking achievements have caught the attention of global media, with features on CBS News, BBC Click, and The New York Times after becoming the first blind man to run the New York Marathon solo.
