![Reach logo.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6ff65e_14018090e6014c5abdf7aedf1a711921~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_192,h_97,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Reach%20logo.jpg)
In 2000 Asist set up Reach, a speaking up group for people with learning disabilities in Stoke-on-Trent. Reach group advocacy is part of Asist Community Advocacy.
![megafone person 1_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6ff65e_d9360d4108a649269599a4527b3b5955~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_162,h_226,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/megafone%20person%201_edited.jpg)
-
Reach Members speak up for people with learning disabilities in Stoke-on-Trent as well as speaking up about their communities.
-
Reach Members work together with Universities to make tools and resources that help people to communicate and speak up.
” In real life a learning disability is when someone learns to do things slower. Someone may find it difficult to understand complicated words or to concentrate for a long time.
​
But we can still do what other people do. Having a learning disability means I need help with some things, but I am a published author, a university speaker, an award winner and a peer researcher…”
​
Carl West, Reach Member, 2016.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6ff65e_e30ea84cf82241f486ae2ee94e44b21f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1001,h_348,al_c,lg_1,q_80,enc_auto/6ff65e_e30ea84cf82241f486ae2ee94e44b21f~mv2.jpg)