Women’s History Month – Celebrating our Founder
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honour our founder, Lorna Ridgway MBE,
whose dedication to breaking down barriers for disabled individuals continues
to inspire us today.
Compaid was founded in 1986 by Lorna Ridgway MBE, who recognised the enormous
potential of personal computers to increase the communication and creative opportunities
for those who were living with disability. Nearly 4 decades later, we remain committed
to her vision of inclusion, accessibility, and education.
A Vision of Inclusion
Lorna’s journey into assistive technology began while volunteering at Seven Springs
Leonard Cheshire Home in Tunbridge Wells. She recognised the potential of personal
computers to revolutionise education and communication for people with disabilities.
However, technology at the time was not designed with accessibility in mind, making it
difficult for disabled individuals to use.
Determined to change this, she started a day service within the care home, teaching
residents how to use adapted computers to improve accessibility.
The impact was immediate as residents who had struggled to communicate or
express themselves discovered new independence and confidence. Their enthusiasm
for learning demonstrated a clear need for a more structured service. To accommodate this
growing demand, Lorna moved her initiative to Pembury Hospital, and in September 1986,
Compaid was officially founded as a charity.
The Early Days
From the beginning, Compaid provided disabled individuals in the community with
access to personal computers for education, training, and creative exploration. However,
Lorna understood that true accessibility extended beyond digital skills—it also required
physical mobility. Many participants struggled to travel to the centre, so Compaid introduced
a transport service, using small, adapted buses to accommodate those with mobility
impairments, including wheelchair users.
As Compaid expanded, it began supporting up to 300 disabled individuals each year,
offering digital skills training at the centre and in their homes. With up to 20 clients visiting
daily, the transport service grew to meet increasing needs, ensuring reliable access to
training and support. What started as a small initiative for a handful of residents
transformed into a vital charity serving the broader community.
Even after Lorna’s passing in 1994, her legacy endures.
Lorna’s Legacy
Today, Compaid’s digital skills training supports over 2,000 individuals annually,
helping them navigate the digital world with confidence. Through our Outreach service,
we provide remote support to those unable to visit in person, ensuring no one is left behind.
Additionally, our fleet of wheelchair-accessible buses delivers over 40,000 journeys
across Kent each year, offering essential transport to those in need.
Lorna’s legacy demonstrates how one person’s vision can create lasting change.
Her work to bridge the digital divide for disabled individuals continues to inspire,
reminding us that meaningful progress starts with small steps and a determination
to make a difference. Her story is a powerful call to action—each of us has the
potential to drive positive change in our communities.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we reflect on Lorna’s extraordinary
achievements and the many women throughout history who have championed
inclusion and innovation. Their efforts remind us that progress is driven by
individuals who challenge limitations and work toward a more inclusive world.
Join Us
At Compaid, we remain dedicated to carrying forward Lorna’s mission.
While much has been accomplished, there is still work to be done to ensure equal
access to education, employment, and digital opportunities for all.
We invite you to be part of this journey—whether by volunteering, donating,
or raising awareness about digital inclusion. Every effort helps us continue
our mission and expand our reach; together, we can make a difference.
Thank you for your continued support of our charity and all the people we help to
connect, learn, and thrive.