Available to book
Simon Wheatcroft
Transform accessibility and innovation with Simon Wheatcroft, speaker, blind tech pioneer. Simon works with organisations to develop inclusive technology solutions and inspire resilience, collaborating with IBM, Google, and MIT while achieving global recognition for groundbreaking ultramarathon accomplishments.
Blind tech pioneer and adventurer Simon Wheatcroft refuses to let his lack of vision hold him back. With his extensive experience working with top technology firms such as IBM, MIT, and Google, Simon is dedicated to creating inclusive technology that allows himself and others to achieve what many consider unattainable. His projects range from developing robotic control systems for individuals with motor neurone disease to creating AI machine learning switching systems and sonification of data analysis. In addition, Simon has made significant contributions to improving the inclusivity and diversity of hackathons through his creation of hackcessible, a user-led accessible hackathon event.
Simon's journey began after he became blind at 17 due to a genetic eye disorder. Determined to overcome his disability, he embarked on a mission to climb a mountain in California and propose to his girlfriend. Although safety concerns prevented him from reaching the summit, this experience taught him the importance of not allowing his lack of vision to defeat him. Upon returning to the UK, Simon embraced technology and learned to run outdoors unaided, relying on a smartphone app and his remaining senses. In just seven months, he went from running on a football field to completing his first race of over 100 miles. Through partnerships with technology firms and the use of social media, Simon has since participated in marathons and ultramarathons.
Simon's achievements have gained international recognition, with features on TV programs like CBS News Sunday Morning Live and BBC Click. He even made headlines in the New York Times as the first blind man to solo run the New York Marathon. Simon's unwavering determination and groundbreaking accomplishments inspire others and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Topics, sessions and talks
In this talk, Simon Wheatcroft will explore technology and its often-unseen applications. He'll delve into inclusive design and how it leads to a more intuitive experience for all. Finally, Simon will share how minimal computer-to-human interactions can build complex experiences.
In this talk, Simon Wheatcroft will define the differences between quitting and failure. He'll explore the driving forces of quitting and how to bring back a positive, as well as the power of failure and the lessons it can teach.
In this talk, Simon Wheatcroft will share how to reduce large goal risks by examining smaller tasks. He'll also explore implementation intentions and the ability to handle the unknown. Finally, Simon will share his experience of handling risk in life and death situations.
Book Simon Wheatcroft as a speaker to inspire your team with his remarkable journey of overcoming blindness and achieving the extraordinary. His expertise in cutting-edge inclusive technology and dedication to breaking barriers will motivate your audience to redefine their limits. Simon's story of resilience and innovation will leave a lasting impact, driving creativity and determination in your business.
Testimonials
often considered together
Anthony Robles
Adversity
Growth Mindset
Resilience
Ella Dove
Resilience
Disability Awareness
Storytelling
Jeremy Poincenot
Disability Awareness
Resilience
Adversity
frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
To book Simon Wheatcroft, email simon.wheatcroft@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Simon's availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
Get the right person
Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll match you with the talent your audience won’t stop talking about.
