Simon is a Reader in Education. He is also on the steering committee of the university's Healthy Later Living Network, a Centre Associate in the Centre for the Philosophy of Natural and Social Science, London School of Economics, an Associate of the Scottish Sensory Centre, University of Edinburgh and Temporary Advisor to the World Health Organisation.

Simon’s current work focuses on accessible and inclusive technologies; sensory impairment, teaching and learning; and, social science research methodology. His most significant project investigated the use of mobile technologies as tools of inclusion for adults, particularly older adults, with disabilities, which was sponsored by a Horizon 2020 grant from the European Union (2016-2020). The project was led by VRVis (based in Vienna) and its partners included the Open University, national museums in London, Madrid and Vienna and technology companies in Vienna and Belgrade.

Simon has previously conducted research projects in the US, Canada, United Arab Emirates and the UK, and he is currently co-editor of the Routledge book series, Qualitative and Visual Methodologies in Educational Research. Simon has also won several awards and fellowships, including a Fulbright All Disciplines Scholar's Award and fellowships of the British Computer Society and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, USA). He has also delivered keynotes and guest lectures for the Royal National Institute of the Blind, the Sidur Museum (Moscow), Manege Central Exhibition Hall (St Petersburg), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the Institute of Child Health at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Harvard University, London School of Economics, MIT, University of California Berkeley, Vrije Universiteit (Brussels) and the Government of the Province of Milan amongst others.

Please see also:

http://www.lse.ac.uk/cpnss/research/sensory-impairment-and-cultural-inclusion

Areas of Research

• Accessible and Inclusive Technology
• Sensory Impairment, Teaching and Learning
  • Visual Impairment and the Arts
  • Disability Arts
  • Ageing and the Arts
  • Access to Cultural Heritage
  • Philosophy of Sensory Impairment
• Social Science Research Methodology

• Technology and Society
• Accessible and Inclusive Technology
• Principles of Methodology
• Qualitative and Visual Methodology
• Grounded Methodology
• Visual Impairment, Learning and Education
• Sensory Impairment and Cultural Inclusion
• Philosophy of Disability

• Editorial Board, British Journal of Visual Impairment
• Editorial Board, Social Inclusion