TalkTalk’s 15th annual Night of Ambition, held in partnership with PlatformX Communications (PXC) and CGI (27th March, Grosvenor House, London) raised £366k for Ambitious about Autism, taking the total amount TalkTalk has raised for this cause since 2006 to over £4.9m.
The money raised will boost Ambitious about Autism’s assistive technology programme which helps autistic young people to develop their communication skills and become more independent.
It is estimated that there are currently 200,000 autistic children and young people who attend schools in England. It is common for autistic children and young people to experience delays in learning to communicate, and up to 30% of autistic people are non-speaking.
Ambitious about Autism delivers its assistive technology programme, supporting learners aged 16-25 at Ambitious College, a specialist college with campuses in north and west London. The technology also helps young people taking part in the charity’s supported internship programme, which helps autistic interns gain valuable work experience.
Assistive technology is hardware and software that helps people express themselves in a way that others can understand, and includes technology such as tablets, visual or audio aids, voice recognition programmes and speech generating devices.
Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “Some autistic young people find expressing themselves verbally very difficult or impossible. However, this does not mean they aren’t full of ideas, opinions and ambitions just like everyone else.
“With access to amazing technology like this more autistic young people will now be able to convey all these things to those around them, which will improve their wellbeing, independence and open up their future prospects.”
Dame Tristia Harrison, TalkTalk Group Chief Executive, added: "We are proud to have raised a fantastic £366k at this year’s Night of Ambition and that is down to the hard work and endless support of our partners and colleagues. These donations ensure Ambitious about Autism can continue vital work to improve the lives of autistic young people and we have long supported the charity to fulfil their mission.”
Tom O’Hagan, PXC Chief Executive, commented: “Great things happen when we work together and this is just one example of the industry joining forces to celebrate our partnership with Ambitious about Autism, raising vital funds for their assistive technology programme. We’re pleased to continue supporting their essential work to improve young people’s lives.”
Tara McGeehan, CGI UK & Australia President said: “Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of our company values, and, as an IT and business consulting services firm, the assistive technology theme is one we are passionate about.”
Pictured above l-r: Ambitious About Autism Chief Executive Jolanta Lasota, and Tristia Harrison, TalkTalk Group Group Chief Executive.