Reach was once referred to as an "on-ramp to justice" initiative. As with any human drama, it is not possible to capture all of the details of the Reach story nor to name the incredible number of people who make up that story. (each of whom has their own memories and for each of whom Reach has its own meaning). From its emergence in 1981 to its 20th anniversary in 2001, Reach has been and continues to be about the collective sharing of the rich diversity of peoples' abilities.

Tens of thousands of individuals, and hundreds of institutions, both public and private, have interacted over these 20 years, pursuing the common goals of equal opportunity and mutual respect — all within the rule of law and based on pillars of justice.

To all of those who have contributed to the present and to all of those who will participate in the future, eternal gratitude is extended.

In 1969, the lives of two individuals crossed paths. One was the grade 11 student who was studying English literature and grammar, with the additional challenge of cerebral palsy; the other was a university student who is teaching grades 9, 10 and 11 students with disabilities, and who learned about life from a different perspective. One day the student, Rod Carpenter, asked the teacher to suspend the usual class curriculum, to look beyond the immediate subject-matter, and talk about other things affecting the world. He focused on  disabilities — visible and invislible — and their relationship to  conflict, war, violence, drugs, indifference and ignorance, and accidents. Even accidents, in a moment, can change of persons life forever. At one point in the conversation, the teacher asked:

"How does it feel not being able to walk, Rod?"

"How do you feel, not being able to fly!" Rod questioned back.

"I don't know", Ernie reflected, "I've never been able to fly".

"I don't know, either -- I've never been able to walk," Rod responded.

The seeds were planted for a continued dialogue.

Rod and Ernie kept up communications over the next ten years. Rod went on to graduate from Carleton University and became a consultant on disability issues. Ernie became a lawyer.

In 1979, "out of the blue", Rod popped a question:

"What are we going to do about international year of disabled persons? (IYDP)"

"What in the world is IYDP", Ernie wondered, "what can we do?"

A steering group of about 25 people explored various options, including establishing a non-profit organization encompassing educational and legal components related to persons and issues in the area of law and disabilities. Part of the strategy was to find a test case. It was felt that anecdotal and experiential approaches would have more impact than empirical studies. This would let us know whether an organization would be relevant. Unexpectedly, one case was already at hand.

Due to his physical limitations, Rod was unable to write his own cheques and this required that his mother to do all of his banking. Extensive research by Peter Lamont, (then an articling student with a small Ottawa law firm where Reach was first located) and months of negotiations, culminated in a successful trial project that allowed Rod to handle his own cheques with a facsimile signature and registered thumbprint.

The original group then determined to forge ahead with setting up REACH, (then an acronym for Resource Educational Advocacy Center for the Handicapped), Reach is now used as a national trademarked, stand-alone name.

Reach was incorporated with a charitable registration number on February 27th, 1981 an one of the three signatories to the letters patent was Tony Scapillati (1955-2000). Encouraged by 27 letters of support, the endorsement of the County of Carleton Law Association, and inclusion of many lawyers on the pro bono referral roster, , there was a national press conference announcing the implementation of Rod's banking arrangements on March 26, 1981, This was a precedent and that was followed over the years by other banks in Canada. This event also highlighted what the former Dean of Law Feeney, from the University of Ottawa, would have characterized as "an illuminating glimpse into the obvious": an awareness of doing something about a situation that the majority of people take for granted (something as simple as having your own bank account!).

The national press release concluded with this sentence:

"with positive response... (from a number of sources, private and public)... reach will become a reality. It will be a forum for the disabled community to speak from strength. It will be a strong basis to achieve justice, not just in a legal sense, but in the broad sense of equality."

A Board of Directors was formed. The first volunteer executive director was Tracy Lamb. The first chairperson was Robert P. Birt. The Board and volunteers "learned how to swim by being pushed in the water!" Individual cases received representation by lawyers who developed their own solicitor-client relationships with clients referred to them by Reach. Reach's accomplishments included present cases, numerous educational initiatives, legislative amendments, helping other organizations of and for disabled persons. They even ensured that the new Court House in Ottawa was accessible.

In 1983 The Honorable Madame Justice Rosalie Abella of the Court of Appeal of Ontario, submitted her report on how the Government should respond to IYDP.  One recommendation was that Reach be identified as a community-based model worthy of supporting.  This provided much-appreciated encouragement at a time when Reach was struggling to maintain and sustained itself.

Fund-raising (and funraising) activities and events were established. Clothing parties, celebrity baseball games (with CJOH) and theme dances were some of the activities taken on. The first Reach Auction attracted a few daring people and raised a few hundred dollars! Lawrence Greenspon, thinking that this event could be a good one to continue, agreed to assume continuing responsibility.  This was beginning of the Reach Annual Celebrity Auction and the rest, as they say, is history!

1985 found Reach to be in need of a full-time executive- director. Enter Paula Agulnik, who remains today in that role, celebrating Reach's 20th Anniversary — a milestone she was instrumental in bringing about.

In 1986, on the occasion of Reach's 5th anniversary, Gordon Henderson (1912-1993), became Reach's first Honorary Chairperson. In his address, he echoed the words which underline Reach's mandate: "what is the point of having a justice system, if you have no access to justice?"

1991 marked the 10th anniversary of Reach under the U.N. theme: "From Awareness to Implementation". Reach hosted a national conference entitled: "Are We There Yet?" Ambassador (retired) John McDonald, who initiated IYDP at the United Nations, attended various Reach events.

Highlighting Reach’s 15th anniversary in 1996, The Right Honorable Ramon Hnatyshyn, former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Canada and former Governor-General of Canada, agreed to become Reach's Honorary Chairperson. Mr. Hnatyshyn kindly continues to provide Reach with sage guidance. The Gowling LaFleur Henderson law firm (Gowling's), as it has from the very beginning, continues to be supportive in many ways.

1998 saw Prime Minister Jean Chrétien proudly receiving, on behalf of Canadians, the prestigious Franklin D. Roosevelt International Disability Award at the U.N.. Reach’s successful nomination of Canada connected disability to conflict resolution.  Both issues are related to the tragic consequence of war and civil strife, harkening back to Rod Carpenter's original conversation in 1969.

In 2000, Reach was pleased to receive, from the National Literacy Secretariat, a grant to introduce the Reach model and experience to other cities in Canada. A three year plan was set up to stimulate their creation of such organizations in five cities. Halifax led in the East in setting up an organization to serve greater Halifax and, now, all of Nova Scotia. Other cities that are considering their own organizations include Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Windsor, each with its own expertise and fresh outlook.

Throughout, Reach remains focused on its constituents, the 5000 calls that are received yearly. It is thanks to the 250 lawyers on the referral roster, the dedicated work of the Board Members, and Committee Members (in Education, the momentous.ca Auction, the Microsoft Run for Reach, the Reach National Outreach, the Golf Tournament etc.), its financial supporters, and all of the participants at all of the events, that Reach carries on.  Most importantly, it's compassionate and competent front-line staff ensure that Reach is able to provide a community service on a daily basis.

It is in this context that the following proverb confirms the Reach Legacy:

"Each ripple may become a wave that can wash away unresolved conflict from the shores of injustice."

Written on the occasion of Reach's 20th anniversary
by Ernie Tannis, September 15, 2001.