Disabled student recognised for pioneering work

Lucinda Ritchie lost her ability to communicate verbally in 2017

A university student has been recognised as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK.

Lucinda Ritchie, a final year student at the University of Southampton, was a finalist in the national Disability Power 100 awards for her pioneering work supporting communication using eye movement.

The 31-year-old communicates using a piece of technology that detects eye movement through a camera or tracker.

She has been recognised for her work as an ambassador for a charity called SpecialEffect, where she helps to test, refine, demonstrate and advocate Eye Gaze Technology.

Disability Power 100 is an initiative by the Shaw Trust that recognises and celebrates the 100 most influential and trailblazing people in the country with a disability.

Ms Ritchie was one of 10 national finalists in the digital and tech category.

She said: “I feel so happy to be a finalist, I still can’t believe it.

"It’s an honour to be recognised alongside other pioneers and changemakers.

"I’m also looking forward to continuing to contribute to this area of supporting people with disabilities to communicate.”

She emphasised the importance of the technology, explaining that it had enabled her "to study, take part in meetings, talk with friends, and have independence”.

TV presenter, campaigner and businesswoman Dr Shani Dhanda, who was named in the number one spot, said: “I really hope that non-disabled people are taking note and stop having low expectations of us, because we are flipping amazing!”