Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion

Robin Christopherson receives his MBE from the Duke of Cambridge - all wearing formal clothing standing shaking hands

Robin is Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet and is a leading light in the global community of accessibility and digital inclusion specialists. 

Robin's own experience of sight-loss gives him a first-hand experience of the power of digital tech to transform people's lives - and he loves nothing more than showing people how he uses computers, the internet, his phone, Amazon Alexa and many other technologies as part of his daily life.

It has also made him a passionate and powerful advocate for accessibility, inclusive design and digital inclusion, making the case for social and technical changes to business, government, third sector, universities and many other organisations.

Keynote speaker, media spokesperson, blogger...

Robin shares his passion for digital inclusion through regular posts on AbilityNet’s website.

He also provides guest posts in a huge range of titles, makes regular media appearances and has delivers over 200 public presentations, podcasts, workshops and webinars each year. 

He is AbilityNet's leading media spokesperson about all aspects of inclusive technology and is a regular contributor to Government policy forums in UK and Europe.

After Cambridge University, Robin worked as an IT instructor for the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) and became a founding member of AbilityNet in 1998. In 2003 he began AbilityNet’s accessibility consultancy team which is now globally acclaimed as being leading experts in the field specialising in accessibility auditing and disabled user testing, as well as helping clients design attractive websites that are both accessible and easy to use by all.

Expert witness

Robin also has courtroom experience as an expert technical witness in the area of assistive technology and in software, systems and website accessibility. In addition, he advises companies on their obligations under the Equality Act and the Disability Equality Duty – including the evaluation of case specific reasonable adjustment.

Honours

Robin Christopherson standing smiling with graduation robes on

Honorary doctorate, University of Suffolk, 2021

In October 2021, Robin was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Computer Science department of the University of Suffolk. The award was given in recognition of his work in the field of assistive technology and digital accessibility over the past 25 years.

Shaw Trust Disability Power 100, 2020

In 2020 Robin was named in the prestigious Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 - a list of 100 of the UK’s most influential people who are disabled or who live with an impairment. Find out more about AbilityNet's nominations on the list.

World's 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government 2019

Robin has been included in the second 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.

MBE, January 2017

Robin was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honour’s List 2017 for his services to digital inclusion. 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. He received his Award from the Duke of Cambridge in March 2017.

Tech4Good Special Award 2016

Robin was awarded the Tech4Good Special Award 2016, announced by Liz Williams, Head of Education at BT. The Award recognises Robin's longstanding contributon to inclusive design and digital accessibility, most notably through the highly engaging speeches and presentations he gives around the world.

The Award has previously been conferred on Prof Stephen Hawking, Dame Steve Shirley and Jimmy Wales.

Judge, Global Mobile Awards 2022

Robin is very proud to have been invited to judge for the sixth year running at the Global Mobile Awards. The prestigious awards (the GLOMOs to those in the know) celebrated its 25th year at GSMA MWC Barcelona 2020, celebrating the key innovations and achievements from both individuals and organisations across the mobile industry.

2021 Glomo Awards banner - shiny geometric shapes with text including Global Mobile Awards - Judge for the 2021 GLOMO Awards #GLOMOAwards

UK Digital Leaders Public Figure of the Year 2015

In 2015 Robin came runner-up in the UK Digital Leaders Public Figure of the Year Award - coming second to the government’s own digital champion Baroness Martha-Lane Fox.

He was also a key member of the AbilityNet team that won the UK Digital Charity of the Year 2015.

Connect with Robin

For audience comments on his presentations please just Google his name.

Follow Robin on Twitter @usa2day

Email Robin.Christopherson@abilitynet.org.uk

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