Rev Gail Thompson is Pioneering Digital Inclusion for Disabled Communities
“True change happens when we lift others up. I lead by ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Rev Gail Thompson; Founder and CEO at Millennium Community Solutions CIC
At 67 years old, Rev Gail Thompson is a testament to resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Living with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis for over 37 years, she has transformed personal challenges into a lifelong mission—ensuring that technology serves as a tool for empowerment, particularly for disabled and marginalised communities.
As the CEO and founder of Millennium Community Solutions CIC, Rev Gail is at the forefront of bridging the digital divide. Her work centres around assistive technology, ensuring that those with disabilities have the tools to live independently and thrive in the digital age. As a Disability Chaplain at SOAS University and Ambassador for the Disability Policy Alliance, she champions accessibility and inclusion at both policy and grassroots levels.
“I believe disability should never be a barrier to opportunity. Technology has the power to enable independence, but only if designed with inclusion at its core.”
A Life Shaped by Resilience and Purpose
Growing up as a Black woman in the 1950s, Rev Gail faced systemic racism and gender inequality. Her diagnosis of MS further complicated her journey, introducing yet another layer of societal barriers. But instead of allowing these challenges to define her, she used them as fuel to create change.
Faith also played a pivotal role in shaping her mission. Recognising a gap in inclusive spaces for disabled individuals within faith communities, she became a Disability Chaplain, offering guidance to those navigating both faith and disability.
Determined to make a tangible difference, she launched Millennium Community Solutions, a social enterprise dedicated to ensuring technology is accessible to all, not just the privileged few. Through her leadership, she has proven that disability is not a limitation—it is a call to innovate, advocate, and inspire.
A Moment That Redefined Her Mission
One pivotal moment changed everything for Rev Gail. She realised that most assistive technology—designed to empower disabled individuals—was created without input from those who needed it most. Good intentions aside, these solutions often failed to address real, everyday challenges.
As a Black disabled woman, she understood the power of lived experience in designing truly inclusive technology. She committed herself to advocating for disabled voices in the development and policy-making process, ensuring accessibility is not an afterthought but a priority.
Transforming Lives Through Innovation
Rev Gail’s impact is tangible and far-reaching. One of her most significant achievements was persuading Lambeth Council to fund London’s first Assistive Technology Library—a milestone that has transformed countless lives.
A standout moment was helping Sarah, a visually impaired job seeker, access the tools she needed to secure employment. Before meeting Rev Gail, Sarah struggled with inaccessible job applications and felt locked out of opportunities. But through screen readers and voice-controlled software from the Assistive Technology Library, she regained her confidence and landed a job.
Beyond employment, Millennium Community Solutions is equipping women and children with digital skills:
100 women per week access the centre for digital skills training.
80 children per week engage in coding and technology education, breaking cycles of digital exclusion.
With London’s only face-to-face coding centre and assistive tech library, Rev Gail is building pathways to inclusion where none existed before.
DiNN’s Role in Scaling Impact
The support from Do it Now Now (DiNN) has been instrumental in Millennium Community Solutions’ growth. Through DiNN’s Innovate Now with City Bridge Foundation programme and community network, Rev Gail successfully published the first-ever Assistive Technology Guide in Britain—a 250-page resource that serves as a clearinghouse for accessibility tools.
DiNN has also played a key role in supporting the development of the Millennium Community App, a groundbreaking digital inclusion platform that will connect individuals with resources, services, and accessible technology solutions.
“DiNN’s mentorship and network have helped refine our vision, expand outreach, and bring ambitious ideas to life. Their commitment to innovation and inclusion has been pivotal.”
Overcoming Systemic Barriers
Rev Gail knows firsthand that Black entrepreneurs face unique challenges—from lack of funding to systemic bias and ageism. Now, at 67, she finds herself still battling the same racism she experienced as a child, compounded by discrimination against both age and disability.
Despite these barriers, she remains undeterred. Through mentorship, community partnerships, and strategic advocacy, she continues to carve out opportunities for herself and others.
“My leadership is not just about me—it’s about paving the way for future generations. I refuse to let systemic barriers dictate what we can and cannot achieve.”
Advice for Aspiring Changemakers
For those starting or growing a business, Rev Gail offers this wisdom:
“Go for it.” Don’t let fear hold you back—take the leap and embrace the journey.
Seek guidance and support. Whether through mentorship, business programmes, or community networks like DiNN, learning from others accelerates growth.
Learn from challenges. Every setback is an opportunity to pause, reset, and go again.
Stay connected. Entrepreneurship can be isolating—find a network that uplifts you.
Leading with Impact
Rev Gail’s influence extends beyond business—she actively mentors struggling organisations, guiding them toward sustainability in today’s challenging financial climate. By sharing knowledge, offering strategic advice, and fostering collaboration, she helps ensure that small organisations don’t just survive but thrive.
“True change happens when we lift others up. I lead by ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Shaping the Future of Assistive Technology
The opening of London’s first Assistive Technology Assessment Library stands as a testament to Rev Gail’s unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Her leadership is about more than representation—it’s about ensuring Black voices are at decision-making tables, driving policy and innovation. She believes true inclusion requires engaging directly with Black communities, amplifying their concerns, and implementing solutions that reflect their needs.
“Black voices must be at the heart of decision-making. Without us, policies fail to serve the communities they claim to uplift.”
A Legacy of Inclusion and Innovation
Rev Gail Thompson’s journey is a powerful reminder that age, disability, and systemic barriers should never define one’s ability to lead, innovate, and inspire change.
Through Millennium Community Solutions, advocacy work, and faith-based leadership, she continues to disrupt exclusion, challenge limitations, and build a more equitable future—one where technology is a tool for independence and equality, not exclusion.
And she’s just getting started.
