Jason Arday is a social commentator, presenter and public speaker. He is the 2002 Professorial Chair of Education (Sociology of Education) at the University of Cambridge, making him the youngest-ever Black academic to hold a Professorship at Cambridge and one of the youngest academics ever appointed to a Professorial Chair in Oxbridge’s history. At three years old, Jason was diagnosed with global development delay and autism spectrum disorder. He did not speak until he was eleven, and could not read or write until he was eighteen.
Great and Unfortunate Things, his forthcoming memoir, recount his journey from diagnosis to academia while exploring the unique intersectionality between race, adversity and neurodiversity. Jason Arday has previously published three books of academic work, which focus on race, higher education, intersectionality, mental health, neurodiversity, and cultural studies.
As a speaker, Jason Arday focuses on how his identity as a Black autistic man has shaped his experiences in the academic world. He also discusses the importance of charity and using adversity as a vehicle for success. Jason Arday lives in the UK but is an internationally sought-after speaker for industry conferences, corporate events, university lectures, and more, and has traveled across the United States for speaking engagements.
Jason Arday completed his undergraduate degree in Education Studies with Physical Education at the University of Surrey, and received his PhD in education from Liverpool John Moores University. He is a member of multiple organizations such as the Runnymede Trust, the Centre for Labour and Social Studies (CLASS) National Advisory Panel, the NHS Race and Health Observatory Academic Reference Group and the ITV Cultural Advisory Council.
Outside of academia, Jason Arday is a prolific fundraiser; he has been part of several fundraising teams that have raised millions of pounds for charity, winning numerous prodigious fundraising awards. He has undertaken and completed relief work in South America and West Africa with WaterAid installing water points, which provide drinkable and clean water. The highlight of these fundraising achievements culminated in selection to be an Olympic Torch Bearer for the London 2012 Olympics. Additionally, Jason Arday has set up homeless drives across London to develop mobile soup kitchens and cleaning facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Contact the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau to book Jason Arday for speaking events as a speaker on education and autism. Use the Request a Speaker form or email info@simonspeakers.com to speak to Jason Arday lecture agent to request his speaking fee, booking information, and availability.
