Reach: Equality and Justice for People with Disabilities

Reach is an Ottawa-based voluntary organization that assists people with disabilities in Ottawa-Carleton and eastern Ontario to resolve legal issues by linking them with lawyers. More than 250 lawyers in the region volunteer for the organization, donating at least three hours of pro bono time each. Reach also provides a variety of educational programs and conferences to increase awareness about issues of disability and human rights. Recently, the organization has begun to tackle the barriers faced by people with disabilities in institutions of higher education. Reach is one of the few organizations that responds to the needs of people with a range of disabilities, including physical and psychiatric disabilities, head injuries and “nonvisible” disabilities such as Crohn’s disease or chronic fatigue syndrome. It receives no public funding for its programs and services: Instead, it builds partnerships and organizes annual fundraising events to enhance community awareness and involvement as well as raise funds. Its successful model is now being considered by other communities.

ISBN – 1-894159-87-X