UK’s fastest broadband provider continues its pledge to transform lives of disabled people through its digital technology partnership with disability charity Scope.

Scope ambassadors have been sharing their stories to inspire Virgin Media staff up and down the country as part of Virgin Media’s nationwide charity week.

Virgin Media and Scope joined forces earlier this year to transform the lives of disabled people in the UK through digital technology. As well as fundraising, charity week saw around 10,000 staff members learn about the work that Scope does and encouraged them to pledge their time towards the partnership by volunteering or taking part in the various ongoing activities that raises awareness of the charity.  

Scope Ambassador, Lost Voice Guy, aka Lee Ridley, is a stand-up comedian who uses a communication aid. Lee, who has cerebral palsy, uses a text-to-speech app on his iPad to deliver his entertaining stand-up routines that play with people’s perceptions of disabled people.

He told a captivated audience at Roberts House in Teeside: “I think some awkwardness is just natural. People worry about saying or doing the wrong thing, but if you just enjoy the company of the disabled person instead of worrying, you’ll learn so much more about issues surround disabled people.”

Lee added: “I couldn’t do what I do without my communication aid. Technology can do so much to open up the world for disabled people. I hope the partnership between Scope and Virgin Media will help more disabled people achieve their ambitions.”

Karen Ingham, Regional Director at Virgin Media said: “We were delighted to welcome Lee to our business; our staff in Stockton-On-Tees were honoured to get the opportunity to hear from him. At Virgin Media we have the power, the people and the ambition to change lives.”

Assistive Technologist Kim Lawther, works with young disabled people and teachers to make learning more accessible through technology.

She told a captivated audience at Matrix Court in Swansea:  “I’m really excited that Scope is working with Virgin Media in a two-year partnership that’s about using technology to transform disabled people’s lives. Not only will they be investing in more accessible technology, we’ll also be able to access Virgin Media’s technical expertise.”

Alan Gosschalk, Director of Fundraising at disability charity Scope, said: “For the 11 million disabled people in the UK, technology can be transformational; providing a voice, enabling people to live independently and unlocking access to education and work. This is a truly collaborative partnership and we’re looking forward to working with Virgin Media to improve the accessibility of its workplaces and services for disabled employees and customers.”

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