For 40 years, Compaid has empowered older, disabled, isolated, and vulnerable people across Kent with accessible transport, and includive digital skills training to connect, learn, and thrive. Founded in 1986, Compaid has been supporting disabled, elderly and vulnerable people in and around Kent through digital skills training, and accessible door to door transport. Our services are available to a
nyone with a physical or learning disability, as well as those with sensory or communication difficulties, or age related conditions. 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. Following a pilot scheme with disabled people at a local residential home in Tunbridge Wells, she decided to set up a specialist centre that offered a variety of training and opportunities based around computers, specialist software and accessing devices. Transport services, initially to bring clients to the centre, soon followed, along with payroll support for disabled people who directly employed their own personal carers. Lorna died in 1994, but her vision of disabled people empowered to overcome barriers in society remains at the heart of our charity.
