Leonard Cheshire provides services to thousands of disabled people throughout the UK, as well as operating in 55 countries around the world.  Microsoft and Leonard Cheshire have been working together since 1997 to use IT training and skills to help disabled people from across the UK to realise their full potential and help them to live independently through IT.

“Leonard Cheshire has been very active in the digital inclusion arena since 1998. This early entry and sustainability of our programmes would not have been possible without the support of Microsoft.
“We have benefited from free software and computers, cash donations and creative thinking. This support has made it possible for Workability to train over 5,000 disabled people, many of whom have now gone on to find paid employment.
More recently, Microsoft has been the ‘seed’ sponsor for Discover IT, an exciting new initiative to open accessible Internet cafes at Leonard Cheshire Services across the UK. Having Microsoft on board from planning stages right through to execution, has certainly accelerated the speed at which good ideas can get off the ground.”
Mark Bishop
Head of Corporate Fundraising
Leonard Cheshire

Discover IT
The objective of Discover IT is to open up the world of computers to disabled people and the great benefits it can have in their everyday lives.  Without basic computing skills coupled with a fear of technology, it is very difficult for disabled people to compete effectively in the workplace. The Discover IT programme tackles this aspect of the ‘digital divide’ by making technology a pleasant discovery rather than a daunting prospect.
There are 7 Discover IT centres throughout the UK – London, Kent, Derby, Edinburgh, Warrington, Swansea and Omagh.  Each centre has its own unique feel but all carry the same ethos which is to offer disabled people an introduction to IT in a relaxed, social and fully accessible environment.  Leonard Cheshire’s aim is to have a good geographical spread of the centres so that as many disabled people as possible have the opportunity benefit from this unique programme.

Workability
Workability aims to equip thousands of disabled people who are out of work and actively seeking employment with the skills to search for jobs by providing free Internet-linked computer equipment and training.  Microsoft has supported the creation of a Virtual Classroom, which covers modules in email, Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, and online communications, and donated software to the programme.  Since 1997 Workability has supported almost 4,000 disabled people with 1,750 going onto further education or into employment.

Jobability.com
Jobability.com is a collaborated effort between Leonard Cheshire, Microsoft, and totaljobs.com.  Companies advertising on Jobability.com guarantee an interview to any disabled person who fulfils the personal specification attached to the post.  This site also contains advice on adapting equipment and making office space more accessible.