Organization
Leonard Cheshire
Leonard Cheshire is one of the UK's largest disability charities, supporting 19,000 disabled people through 150 services including residential care, supported living, employment, and digital inclusion programmes. Operating for over 75 years, it also partners with governments and NGOs internationally to advance disability rights in over 50 countries.
About
Founded in 1948 by World War II bomber pilot Group Captain Leonard Cheshire and his wife Sue Ryder, Leonard Cheshire has grown from a single care home into one of the UK's largest disability charities. Its UK network spans 150+ services employing thousands of care and support staff, while its international programmes reach people in over 50 countries.
What They Do
In the UK, Leonard Cheshire provides residential care homes, nursing homes, supported living, respite care, day centres, and home care. Its Change 100 and Versus Arthritis internship programmes help disabled young people enter employment, and its digital inclusion project "Tech Up" supports disabled people to get online. It also advocates on disability benefits, accessible housing, and inclusive employer practices.
Who They Serve
Disabled adults and young people in the UK with a wide range of conditions including physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, learning disabilities, and complex care needs. Its Can Do programme specifically supports young disabled people aged 10–35 to build skills, confidence, and independence.
Related Organizations
National Disability Rights Network(NDRN)
FeaturedWashington, DCNationalNDRN is the membership association for the federally mandated Protection & Advocacy (P&A) and Client Assistance Program (CAP) organisations in every US state and territory. P&A organisations provide free legal advocacy and representation to people with disabilities — with a combined budget of over $150 million, they are the largest provider of legal services to people with disabilities in the US.
Mixed LeadershipCross-DisabilityLegal AdvocacyFédération Sénégalaise des Associations de Personnes Handicapées(FSAPH)
Dakar, SNNationalNational umbrella federation founded in 1997 that unites Senegalese disability associations to advocate for the rights and social inclusion of persons with disabilities. FSAPH coordinates member organisations spanning physical, visual, hearing, intellectual, and other disability communities, engaging government on inclusive policy reform.
Disabled-LedCross-DisabilityAdvocacyAmerican Association of People with Disabilities(AAPD)
Washington, DCNationalAAPD is a national disability membership organisation focused on increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on civic engagement, voting rights, and economic advancement.
Disabled-LedCross-DisabilityAdvocacy