About

We are a British company based in Cambridge, a historic university city which has produced 73 Nobel Prize winners and is a leading centre of high-technology industry in the UK. Our company started in 1973 and is the third oldest manufacturer of communication aids in the world.

Toby Churchill became disabled and lost his speech in the late 1960s following an attack of encephalitis while studying as an engineering student. Dissatisfied with the communication aids then available, he designed the first Lightwriter for his own use and, after meeting other people with similar needs, started to manufacture them.

We now have many thousands of Lightwriter users worldwide, and are the leading European manufacturer of portable text-based communication aids.

At the end of 2007 Toby decided to reduce his role in the company, selling it to David Collison, Finance Director. Toby remains President of the company.

What is different about our Company?

We are the only communication aid manufacturer started by someone who is himself physically and speech disabled, the user of a communication aid, and also the designer of the products.

We believe this unique combination gives us a deeper understanding of the particular needs of people with speech disabilities, and helps us design better products through greater first hand experience.

Toby Churchill Limited is the only communication aid company in the UK with its own Research & Development, Manufacturing, Servicing, and Distribution.

Awards

We've received a number of awards for our innovations.

Memberships

Member of the British Healthcare Trades Association.