Founded by Dame Georgiana Buller and Stanley Evans, the vocational training college was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother (then Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York), on June 27, 1935, who later became Patron of the charity.  

Today QEF provides a unique combination of services for disabled children and adults with life-long or acquired disabilities, that are tailored to each person’s requirements. We offer practical support and information, expert therapy and care.   

Our holistic services have life changing impacts on people’s lives. Working closely with the NHS, the Department for Transport and Adult Social Services, today QEF supports almost 10,000 disabled people a year 

A Legacy of Support and Innovation 

For 90 years QEF have been at the forefront of innovative and person-centred services that enable disabled people to achieve their potential and live with greater independence: 

More information on QEF’s history is available here.

Looking Ahead

Karen Deacon, QEF’s Chief Executive:
“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to our mission of delivering expert services that enable disabled people of all ages to achieve their potential, so they can be as independent as possible.  

Our future initiatives will continue to focus on innovation, inclusivity, and service delivery. We are grateful to all our current and future partners, supporters, donors, and volunteers whose generosity and dedication make our work possible.” 

Life changing services

Our expert services support almost 10,000 disabled people a year, enabling people to live their lives as independently as possible. Here are just a few examples:

• Andrew’s Journey: After having a stroke and a stay in hospital, Andrew came to QEF’s Care and Rehabilitation Centre. Through multi-disciplinary neuro rehabilitation, including Neurological Music therapy, he regained his ability to walk and communicate, allowing him to return to his life with renewed confidence.
  
• Maisy May’s Mobility: Maisy May received a Bugzi, a mini powered chair from MERU. Bugzi has enabled her to move where she wants to, participate in school activities and enjoy playing with her friends.
  
• Noah’s Independence: Noah came to QEF’s Mobility Service to learn to drive after a brain injury and multiple strokes. He is making full use of QEF’s private track to hone his skills before venturing onto the road with his instructor. QEF are instrumental in supporting his dreams of training for the paralympics.

Join Team90

There are lots of new and different ways you can support QEF in our 90th anniversary year.

Join Team90 and help us continue to expand our services and develop innovative ideas so more disabled people can live as independently as possible.