Our history
We've been working with disabled people and their families for over 60 years. Here are some of the key landmarks in our history:
1952 – birth of Scope
The National Spastics Society (the original name of Scope) is founded by three parents and a social worker who want disabled children to have equal rights to an education. Each gives £5 to start the charity – please give £5 a month to continue our important work.
1955 – first school
Craig y Parc School opens in Cardiff with a waiting list for children who had previously no right to be educated. Today our specialist schools teach children whose needs are currently not met elsewhere.
1957 – employment
Our first employment officer, Bill Hargreaves, supports hundreds of disabled people to find their first jobs.
1960 – first film on TV
Every Eight Hours, narrated by Richard Dimbleby, is broadcast on national TV. The title refers to the fact that every eight hours a child with cerebral palsy is born in the UK.
1970 – our first charity shop
We open our first charity shop in Sevenoaks, Kent. We now have nearly 250 shops - find your local Scope shop.
1977 – further education
Beaumont College, our further education college for disabled 16-19 year olds, opens.
1990 - helpline
Our helpline launches to provide free information and support to disabled people and their families.
1994 - The Spastics Society becomes Scope
Read our booklet, The Spastics Society to Scope, on why we changed our name.
2002 – 50th anniversary
Changing Society is published, featuring interviews with 17 individuals on our history.
2006 - oral history of people with cerebral palsy
Speaking for Ourselves teaching pack sent to secondary schools.
2008 – merger with DIAL UK
Scope merges with Disability Information and Advice Lines to create a national advice and information network for disabled people.
2012 - Scope’s 60th anniversary
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