Robin Christopherson MBE
Head of Digital Inclusion, AbilityNet
Robin Christopherson is a world-renowned figure in the field of technology and inclusion and himself blind. After Cambridge University Robin became a founding member of UK tech charity AbilityNet. Now globally acclaimed as leading experts in their field, AbilityNet specialise in advising individuals on assistive technology, specialist assessments and helping clients design digital products that are attractive and easy to use by all.
Robin was included in last year’s annual list of the World’s Most Influential People in Digital Government. Published by Apolitical, the list recognises politicians, civil servants, academics and activists making the biggest impact in digital government around the world.
Robin was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honour’s List 2017 for his services to digital inclusion. Presented by the Duke of Cambridge, the award recognises Robin’s significant personal contribution in promoting awareness of the need to provide digital products and services that are inclusive for disabled people.
Robin was awarded the Tech4Good Special Award in 2016. The Award recognises Robin’s longstanding contribution to inclusive design and digital accessibility, most notably through the highly engaging speeches and presentations he gives around the world. Other recipients include Prof Stephen Hawking and Jimmy Wales.
In 2015 Robin came runner-up in the UK Digital Leaders Public Figure of the Year Award – coming second only to the government’s own digital champion Baroness Martha-Lane Fox.
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“Given the right adjustments and the same opportunities, disabled people can be as powerful as anyone else. Add to that our tenacity and determination that so often seems to arise from impairment, and we can excel in whatever field we choose. We can sort our adjustments and our tech, but the opportunities so often come from others.”