On June 16, Reach Canada
The non-profit organization was founded in 1981 with a mandate to educate and inform the public about the rights of disabled Canadians, and to ensure that they receive adequate legal representation and social advocacy.
According to the Right Honourable Ramon J. Hnatyshyn:
“Reach has successfully brought public and private sector forces together to address equality and justice issues that have been identified by community members who have a disability. Reach offers a process for change that builds partnerships, mobilizes community resources, and empowers individuals to work together in a spirit of inclusion.”
To celebrate this milestone year Reach Canada will be holding a conference called “The Evolution of Disability Rights: A Retrospective and Prospective for the Future” on June 16 at the Ottawa Convention Centre.
Keynote speakers will include David Lepofsky, a lawyer and disability rights advocate. He will address how changes to Canadian disability acts have shaped the Canadian social landscape and summarize how disability rights have evolved over the past three decades.
A panel discussion led by Canada’s Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart and former American ambassador to the UN
Other notable speakers include: Margaret Trudeau, author and mental health advocate, David Lepofsky, Chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Alliance