About the Project

In 2006, Reach Canada began a project entitled “Equality in Practice”. It involves initiatives and products to inspire law professionals and Canadians with disabilities and their organizations to work together to achieve a greater measure of equality and Justice in Canada’s legal system.  .

In association with the Canadian Paraplegic Association and The Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres, the project has been organized in three phases the first two of which have been completed with support from Department of Justice Canada, The Law Foundation of Ontario , several private sector enterprises and a host of volunteer experts. 

Phase I — needs assessment, planning guides, management protocols and prototype document on "Disability and Law" for law students

Phase II — evaluation versions of principal products:

• A Handbook on Disability for Law Professionals (English and French)
• Understanding Justice — A Consumer's Guide to the System, For Canadians With Disabilities (English and French)
• A Service Provider’s Companion to Disability and The Justice System (English and French)
• “Disability and Law” Resource Guide For Law Teachers (English)
• Promoting Responsive Legal Services for All Clients:
  A Guide for Student Legal Clinics on Accommodating Clients with Disabilities (English)
• Instructional Companion On Student Legal Clinic Services And Disability Issues (English)
• Audio CD (A Discussion About Justice in Canada) (English and French versions)

Phase III — (future) final versions of products, marketing, promotion and multiple accessible-format distribution. This could include PSA's, exhibit & workshop materials, feature articles, locally customized community fact sheets and professional development exercises.