Explore every episode of the podcast Reflections
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender: A Hidden Force We Might Not Know About | 05 Sep 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
What do you know about Lavender? Kelly MacDonald takes a visit to Sparta Lavender Farm, 3km east of the historic village of Sparta, located in Aylmer, Ontario. We meet the couple behind the farm, Karen Parr and Bert Floyd, who help us explore everything we ever wanted to know about Lavender. Kelly and others on the group tour take a Sound Bath, offered as a relaxation practice by Michele Kujawa, Soundbath Artist and Holistic Massage and Reiki Practitioner. Nature connects us in such incredible ways, so let's tap into some of its magic through Lavender. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Canada Disability Benefit: Facts and Fiction | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
The Canada Disability Benefit was announced earlier this summer with much fanfare. Proponents tout it as the first of its kind: a program designed to lift Canadians with disabilities out of poverty. Eligible Canadians can get as much as $2400 annually. But does it live up to the hype? Joeita Gupta takes us through a deep dive into the policy, application process, and real-life effects of the benefit. We hear from members of the disability community to gauge what the application process is like. We meet Keila Alex Echakowitz, who believed that the Canada Disability Benefit would boost their income until they were met with a 10% claw back, and the harsh reality that this government program will not help them to move out of their parent’s home. To find some clarification on the policies and eligibility requirements, we hear from Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families. Asif Khan is the Research and Policy Coordinator of the Income Security Advocacy Centre, and he tells us why the Disability Tax Credit and Canada Disability Benefit are extremely problematic, reflects on where there is room for improving the CDB, and what genuine economic justice for people with disabilities looks like. While this benefit is the result of years of advocacy, these stories explain the shortcomings of the Canada Disability Benefit and the changes that need to be made to make long lasting and life changing differences for people with disabilities. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Mirror, Mirror, Accessible To All: Inclusion in the Beauty Industry | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
Makeup isn’t just about beauty. For many people who are blind, low-vision, or living with a disability, it’s also about self-expression, empowerment, and identity. But the beauty industry hasn’t always made space for everyone’s needs. Lead by her own love for makeup, Nisreen Abdel-Majid explores what it means to find beauty for people with disabilities. We meet Maria Santiago, a makeup influencer and content creator pushing for more inclusive conversations and honest reviews in the beauty world. We also head to Toronto’s Eaton Centre to see how accessible big-name stores like MAC and Sephora really are, from store layouts to customer service. Finally, we sit down with Trishna Daswaney, Founder of the UK-based brand Kohl Kreatives, which designs adaptive makeup tools built with inclusion at the core. These stories explore what inclusive beauty looks like at the moment, and what it could be if we continue to figure it out together. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| A Trip We Haven't Been On Yet: The Remarkable Story of The Trans-Canada Highway | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:28:30 | |
Mark Richardson recently authored The Drive Across Canada: The Remarkable Story About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Show Trailer | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:00:30 | |
Reflections launches September 2, 2025 on AMI-audio and podcast platforms. New episodes every Tuesday to Friday. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| A Double Assault: Women with Disabilities and Intimate Partner Violence | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
Violence against women is an epidemic, and women with disabilities are at a much higher risk to experience intimate partner violence. Joeita Gupta brings us along as she learns more about the attitudinal and tangible barriers that women with disabilities face when seeking support in an abusive relationship. We hear from Marianne Ruffin, an expert in the violence against women sector. She shares her experience with intimate partner violence, and the shortcomings in accessibility training in social services. Malvika D'Costa is a PHD candidate at Western University, and she tells us why women with disabilities are often left out of the conversation about violence against women. Lorris Herrenda, the CEO of Yellow Brick House in Toronto shares how their shelters and programs offer support to women experiencing intimate partner violence. If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, you can call the Assaulted Women’s Help Line at 1-866-863-0511. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| The Pressure of High Performance: Canadian Men’s Goalball Team at the 2025 Americas | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:27:00 | |
The 2025 IBSA Goalball American Championship that took place this July was a qualifying competition that brought together top men’s and women’s national goalball teams from across the Americas. The Paralympic Training Center in São Paulo, Brazil hosted 22 teams over 8 days of goalball competition. We follow the Canadian Men’s Goalball Team through their trip, the prep and grind it took to get to this moment, and how they maneuvered together under the pressure of high performance with a new team, new coaches, and high steaks leading up to the LA 2028 Paralympics. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Unpacking Ozempic: The Debate on Health, Hype, and Disability | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:27:31 | |
Ozempic was developed with the intent to treat type 2 diabetes, but today, it’s become one of the biggest weight-loss crazes in North America. Nisreen Abdel-Majid digs into what happens when a medication meant to save lives becomes a massive cultural trend, who it affects, and how severely. We hear from Mousa Abdul Samar, Pharmacist and Manager at Deen Pharmacy, who offers a vital perspective on Ozempic’s intended use and the risks of misuse. Bill Shakleton, a retired AMI colleague living with type 2 diabetes, shares his personal journey with the drug and how the weight-loss buzz affects him directly. And Amy Amantea, an artist and accessibility advocate who's had type 1 diabetes her whole life, reflects on what it means to navigate treatment and public perception around Ozempic. Nisreen asks her guests for perspectives on who gets Ozempic, who needs it, and what we aught to pay more attention to around quick health fixes. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| No, I don't just stay home: Exploring Access at Performance Venues | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:24:54 | |
What does it really take to access joy, community, and live music when fun isn’t always accessible? Nisreen Abdel-Majid finds out.
Everyone deserves a night out, but for many people with disabilities, concerts and live events come with extra barriers most don’t see. Let’s share the joys and the frustrations of navigating a night out. Brock Richardson, a former AMI contributor and wheelchair user, shares his perspective on accessibility at concerts and events. Amy Amantea, a passionate concert and theatre-goer who is blind, takes us through the realities of ticketing, seating, and enjoying a show in spaces not always built with everyone in mind. And Jenny C, a fellow DJ and drummer, reflects on what accessibility looks like from a performer’s perspective in GTA nightlife. We also dig into the accessibility offerings (and shortcomings) of some of Toronto’s best-known venues, including Danforth Music Hall, Roy Thomson Hall, and Massey Hall. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| AI: Accessibility vs Privacy | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
The further development of AI has proved to be a watershed moment for accessibility, but how concerned should users be about their privacy and data protection? Grant Hardy invites experts, users, and developers to share their perspectives on whether giving up certain levels of privacy is worth accessible software and tech. Mike Feir is a tech expert, and regular AI user. He tells us how AI has impacted his day to day, and the level of privacy he’s willing to give up to continue using the life-changing software. Dr. Jutta Treviranus is Director of the Inclusive Research Centre at OCAD University, and she joins us to explain how our data is used by AI, and some solutions for protecting yourself online. Winston Chen is the Developer of the app VDScan, and he introduces us to the concept of offline AI models. Through these conversations, Grant explores his own perspectives on internet privacy, and helps us challenge the notion that privacy should be given up in exchange for these services. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Towards Just Care: Evaluating Canada's Home Care System | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:26:26 | |
The Towards Just Care Project evaluates Canada’s homecare system and aims to redefine what care means for recipients of homecare and homecare workers. Joeita Gupta invites us to join her at a round table with guests involved in advocacy and academia within the homecare sector. We hear from Mary Jean Jande, the Academic Lead of the Towards Just Care Project, about how the project got started. Megan Linton, the co-lead of the Towards Just Care Project, explains some of the intricacies of the current homecare system. Jill-Anne Santiago is the Program Coordinator at the Migrants Resource Centre and provides her perspective of how the current challenges in the homecare sector affect undocumented homecare workers. Brad Evoy is Executive Director of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario, urges people with disabilities to get involved in creating a better homecare sector. And he reminds us that many homecare workers will eventually be recipients of homecare themselves. If you want to get involved or look at the toolkit created by the Towards Just Care Project, visit their website at towardsjustcare.com. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| A Jumbo Story: The Phenomenon of Jumbo the African Elephant | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:26:30 | |
St. Thomas, Ontario is commemorating the 140th anniversary of Jumbo the Elephant's death with a new exhibit detailing his life and legacy. Kelly MacDonald visits with Steve Peters, a local historian who tells us Jumbo’s story, including details of his tragic end. Curator of the JUMBOMANIA exhibit, Madeleine Howard, shares everything they’ve got going on at this fascinating exhibit dedicated to Jumbo. From the elephant’s celebrity during the 19th century to Jumbo sodas, and beyond, let’s find out why this circus elephant left his mark. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Access is Belonging, Not Buttons: The New Playbook for Young Advocates | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
Picture this: You’re out and about and you come across a barrier to persons with disabilities in the built environment. I.E. A record shop that doesn’t have a ramp out front. What can you, an average member of the community, do to get that barrier removed? Guest Reporter Jacob Shymanski and Reflections Senior Producer Matt Agnew found insightful answers to that question at Access Fest, A unique gathering of disability advocates that took place in spring 2025. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Truth and Reconciliation for All Peoples: Disability and Indigeneity - Part 2 | 26 Sep 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on September 30th, 2025. To mark this important day, Joeita Gupta created a two-part documentary that explores how reconciliation efforts can be made to include Indigenous peoples with disabilities. Join Joeita on this learning experience, as she speaks to experts, academics, and people with lived experience about the ways that reconciliation efforts exclude people with disabilities, parts of Indigenous communities. And we’ll learn about the colonial way with which we approach truth and reconciliation. In Part 2, we’ll hear from Walter Wytek Chan, Kevin Morgan, and John Ward to learn about how crucial it is that truth and reconciliation considers all peoples in Canada. Plus, a statement from the Assembly of First Nations that explains what they’ve been doing to advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples with disabilities. Our guests will also weigh in on how they feel organizations have included people with disabilities in their broader truth and reconciliation efforts. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Truth and Reconciliation for All Peoples: Disability and Indigeneity - Part 1 | 26 Sep 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on September 30th, 2025. To mark this important day, Joeita Gupta created a two-part documentary that explores how reconciliation efforts can be made to include Indigenous peoples with disabilities. Join Joeita on this learning experience, as she speaks to experts, academics, and people with lived experience about the ways that reconciliation efforts exclude people with disabilities, parts of Indigenous communities. And we’ll learn about the colonial way with which we approach truth and reconciliation. In Part 1, we’ll hear from Kevin Morgan, a survivor of the 60’s scoop, about how reconnecting with his culture redefined his perception of disability. John Ward is a Professor at the University of Sydney and the author of the book Indigenous Disability Studies, and he shares his expertise about how Indigenous knowledge about disability should impact truth and reconciliation efforts. Walter Wytak Chan works at Algoma University, and he tells us the four ways that colonialism and the government have perpetuated hardships for people with disability in Indigenous communities. And Neil Belanger is Chief Executive Officer of Indigenous Disability Canada, and he shares his unique perspective on how Canada’s colonial legacy impacts people with disability. Our guests will also weigh in on how they feel organizations have included people with disabilities in their broader truth and reconciliation efforts. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Can I Touch Your Dog: A Closer Look at Guide Dog Etiquette | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
Service animals are more than pets, they’re expertly trained companions who empower their handlers with freedom, safety, and independence. And now, let’s factor in the public. How do handlers deal with strangers petting their dogs without permission, asking invasive questions, or ignoring clear boundaries? Nisreen Abdel-Majid takes us inside a day in the life of guide dog handlers to better understand what it truly means to rely on a guide dog, and why respect and understanding from the public makes all the difference. Runa Patel and Jeff Berwick, both experienced guide dog handlers, share powerful stories from their experiences. Landra Berwick, a professional guide dog instructor with decades of varying expertise offers insight into the thoughtful, rigorous training that goes into preparing these human-animal relationships for success. Let’s explore the realities of this working relationship, and figure out how the public fits in. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Lost in Fashion: Where did my shirt pocket go? | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
Kelly MacDonald noticed his shirt pocket was quietly disappearing, so he went out to get some important answers to his burning questions. He visits one of his go-to clothing spots, George Richards, and talks it out with Store Manager, David Uren. Along the way, he loops in colleagues and friends, figuring out if they care as much as he does about disappearing shirt pockets. With a bit of history (and a lot of speculation) does Kelly get satisfying answers to his questions around what's at play in men's fashion? Let's listen and find out. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| When Fear Crosses the Border: Deportation Protests and the Illusion of Safety in Canada | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:27:47 | |
Nisreen Abdel-Majid understands that fear doesn’t stop at a border, it travels through headlines, protests, and deeply personal moments. It did for her and her sister, which you'll hear about through this story. As conversations around immigration enforcement and mass deportation intensify in the United States, Nisreen reflects on a moment in downtown Toronto when she and her sister were confronted by protesters asking for the same in Canada. She’s joined by Rabia Khedr, National Director of Disability Without Poverty, who shares her perspective on how fear-driven narratives impact marginalized communities. Ronald Sanchez, who is blind and lives in Chicago, speaks about the anxiety and uncertainty he felt as news of aggressive immigration enforcement unfolded in his city. Julia Métraux, Reporter for Mother Jones, explains the specific realities of people living with disabilities through the political warfares of today's times, what there is to lose if we don't pay attention. And Alia Abdel-Majid, Nisreen’s sister, recounts what it was like walking through that charged moment in Toronto. Nisreen and her guests unravel how fear moves across countries, across communities, and into our everyday lives. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Visual Eating: When This Food Looks Like [Expletive Deleted] | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
Can blind and low vision people be visual eaters too? Kelly MacDonald explores how our senses come into play in building our appetites. Food enthusiast Bill Oakley gives us a peek behind the curtains of how food is staged, presented, and plated to draw us in. Terri-Lyn Dietrich, Lily Cereghini, and Brian Arthur share how unflattering descriptions from sighted guides affect their chances of trying a dish or enjoying it. Blind mom Theresa Eaton tells us how she talked her sons into trying foods they visually judged on first glance. And Chef Mary Mammoliti shares her long-time love for cooking, while Chef Julie gives her vivid take on why making calamari is as ugly as it is delicious. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Untapped Talent Summit: Breaking down barriers to make employment more inclusive | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
The CCRW’s second annual Untapped Talent Summit takes place online February 10, 2026. It provides resources for job seekers and employers on inclusive employment. The theme, Disability in Action: Navigating the School-to-Work Transition, is particularly welcome this year with an uncertain job market and some of the lowest rates of employment for youth with disabilities that we’ve seen since the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant Hardy learns more about the work that CCRW does, and their upcoming Summit. Vanessa Sinclair, Director of Research and Evaluation at CCRW, explains the organization's work and gives us a sneak-peak of what we can expect from the summit, including some advice for employers and job seekers. Chelsea Masson is Outreach Coordinator for the CNIB’s Come to Work Program. She’s one of the panelists at the Summit, and shares her perspective on seeking employment as a person with a disability. To learn more about the Summit and begin the registration process, you can visit the CCRW’s website: https://www.untappedtalent.ca/s/about?language=en_US About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Overdue or Overreach: Regulating Social Media in Canada | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
Countries are racing to regulate big tech and keep kids safe from the harms of social media, but the fight isn’t over. Grant Hardy examines how far countries like Australia are willing to go to legislate in hopes of a safer internet. Lifestyle and Tech Expert Andy Baryer provides his perspective on Australia’s new social media laws, and whether there’s an appetite to bring them to Canada. It’s unclear if Australia’s tough new legislation would survive in Canada, or even if it should. Danielle McLaughlin is the Retired Director of Education for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Senior Consultant for the Centre for Freedom of Expression at TMU. She breaks down the legal perspectives around this type of law. Emilee Schevers is a social media influencer who founded “True Faces” to amplify the voices of people with disabilities. She’s experienced the benefits and drawbacks of social media, and shares her thoughts on internet safety. We all want to create a safer internet world, but it matters how we do that. Here’s a taste of the debates that are taking place surrounding internet safety, and how far we should go to prevent online harm. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| When Rest Feels Like Failure: Slowing Down Without Shame | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:24:00 | |
We know we’re tired. We talk about burnout constantly. And yet, when we finally slow down, rest can feel uncomfortable.
Nisreen Abdel-Majid explores why rest so often feels like failure, and how we can take small steps towards embracing rest and reassessing our needs.
Susi Niazi is a senior corporate executive navigating leadership responsibilities and a nonstop pace at work. She's also a mother of two figuring out how to balance work and life, by adding bits of restful moments into her day.
We hear from Katrina Onstad, author of The Weekend Effect, who highlights the history of the 5-day workweek, and how to make the best of our 2-day weekends.
Nathan Sartore, artist and Managing Director of The Disability Collective, introduces us to the idea of Crip Time, which is very popular in artistic spaces, and challenges the way we bend to the clock.
And Frances Wong is a yoga instructor who helps us unpack our complicated relationship with stillness, and offers suggestions on starting our relationship with rest slowly.
About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians
with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and
AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform
AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of
accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities
through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal.
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Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Food and Wellbeing: Redefining Our Relationship with the Kitchen | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
Joeita Gupta finds some helpful tips to navigate a complicated relationship with food from culinary expert Mary Mammoliti, Master Chef winner and restaurant owner Christine Ha, and Dietician Gena Hamshaw. Learn to be gracious with yourself, approach your diet with moderation in mind, and find ways that work for your season of life to make those weeknight dinners less stressful. To find support for an eating disorder, reach out to the National Eating Disorder Information Centre’s helpline at: 1-866-622-4220 or visit their website: nedic.ca About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Sustainable Living: Take Our Time and Do It Right | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:24:00 | |
It takes a bit of thought and a bit of change, but not as much effort as we believe, to create and maintain a sustainable lifestyle. Kelly MacDonald brings us along as he learns how our small choices impact how we care for our Earth.
Laura Newton, Founder of The Kind Matter Company, is an expert on sustainable living, and shares how we can move to clean purchases and clean products, without it having to break the bank. Laura explains what it actually means to buy clean and organic. Spoiler alert: it goes way beyond the packaging label and ingredient list.
Laura also shouts out some of her favourite natural products and clean Canadian companies for us to jot down.
One of these companies is Oneka, producing self-care products that stay friendly to the environment, which we learn more about from Co-founder, Philippe Choinière.
About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians
with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and
AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform
AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of
accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities
through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal.
To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.
Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+
Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
- X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
- Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
- Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
- TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
- Email feedback@ami.ca
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| Is this seat taken? Navigating Priority Seating on Public Transit | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:25:55 | |
Generally speaking, there's an honour system when it comes to using public transit, but when it comes to priority seating on buses, trains, and planes, it can get grey. Nisreen Abdel-Majid explores this topic. Suzanne Holder is the Customer Experience Manager at MiWay, Mississauga, Ontario's major transport system. She shares how riders with invisible disabilities can identify themselves through the Sunflower program, which extends to Metrolinx-operated transit as well. Sonia Gangopadhyay, Director at the Centre of Expertise for Accessible Transportation with the Canadian Transportation Agency, explains the One Person, One Fare policy, legislated for travelers with disabilities within Canadian borders. Debbie Gillespie, 2026 ACAT Vice-Chair for the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit, which works with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), explains how accessible travel is handled in the big city. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Return to Work: Discussing Office Mandates and Accommodations | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
Returning to the office due to new mandates? The adjustment isn’t being taken well by all, and there are some serious accessibility issues to address. Joeita Gupta is answering all our burning questions around which employers are insisting workers come back to the office and why. What role is the Canadian government playing in all of this? And how are people with disabilities being affected? Opeyemi Akanbi is an Assistant Professor at the School of Professional Communication at Toronto Metropolitan University, who will lend us her expertise to understand why employers want their employees back in the office. Jennifer Hope is the Director of Development and Capacity Building at the Ontario Disability Employment Network. Jennifer shares the role that employers and employees should take in the accommodation process. Plus, Mette Aubé is Principal Consultant at Untapped Accessibility in BC. Mette will bring valuable tips and perspectives for employers who want to create work environments with accessibility at the forefront. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Canada's First UNESCO City of Music: Celebrating the Arts of London, Ontario | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:30:00 | |
London, Ontario was designated as Canada's first UNESCO City of Music in 2021, recognizing its vibrant music scene and commitment to cultural development, and Kelly MacDonald was thrilled to commemorate. Mario Circelli, Founder and Chair of The London Music Hall of Fame, introduces us to this special music community, and helps us explore what the UNESCO title means for London's growth. We hear about fostering collaboration, increasing music opportunities, and supporting local art initiatives with passionate world-class concert pianist Clark Bryan, Darin Addison of the Home County Folk Festival, and Dario Novoa, Founder of Simple Reflections for Artists. Let's celebrate how truly rich in music this Canadian city is. Music Credits: The Forest City by Simple Reflections for Artists; composed by Juan David Gomez and Gianny Correa Arcos, with lyrics by Juan David Gomez, Dario Novoa, Karen Sandoval-Santana, and Louis Rudolph Engel About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Conquering Kilimanjaro: Eleven Blind Hikers Take On Africa’s Highest Mountain | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
Last fall, a group of eleven blind hikers traveled to Tanzania to tackle Mount Kilimanjaro. Grant Hardy speaks with climbers Peter Quaiattini, David Brown, and Tammy Adams about the triumphs, challenges, and highlights of their hiking journeys. The trip was made possible by Nana Safaris. It’s a mainstream tour and travel company based in Arusha – Tanzania that incorporates accessibility into its tours. Director Idrisa Abel shares how they facilitated the journey and explains why inclusivity is built right into the heart of the company. Whether checking off a personal goal or advocating for the blind community, each hikers’ story was different. But they all had one thing in common: they worked together as a team. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| My First Accessible Breakthrough: Embracing the Small Moments | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
What’s the first moment when life after vision loss starts to feel possible again? Nisreen Abdel-Majid explores the small, powerful breakthroughs that reshape independence, the moments that may look ordinary from the outside but carry deep emotional weight for the people experiencing them. Through firsthand stories, Ariana Noughira shares what it meant to regain confidence with her guide dog by her side. Becki Zerr reflects on how losing her vision forced her to reimagine parenting, identity, and daily life. And Leanne Baarda, an Independent Living Skills Specialist with Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, offers insight into how learning everyday skills from cooking to technology can restore confidence, control, and connection. Access isn’t always about sweeping change, it can be about the first moment you realize you can move forward again. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Finding a New Voice | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
What happens when the life you built around your talent suddenly falls apart in front of thousands of people? In this AMI-original, writer and performer Julia Bonnett reflects on the night her vision loss led her to walk off the stage mid-performance. What began as a humiliating moment became a turning point that forced her to confront the end of her opera career and re-imagine her way forward. Through music, research, and personal reflection, Julia examines why we get stuck in the first place, and brings us along as she figures out how to let go of the illusion that we're ever finished changing. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| The Disability Memoir: Stories That Make a Difference | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
The memoir genre is booming, disability memoirs specifically. But what makes these books so entertaining, informative, powerful, or groundbreaking? Is it pressure from publishers? Or is it the translation of a person's lived experience into a digestible, easy-to-read format? Andreae Callanan is a writer and researcher who studies neurodiversity and the disability memoir. Andreae provides her perspective on what disability memoirs can bring to the literary industry. Dorothy Ellen Palmer is an author of the memoir “Falling for Myself” and she shares why she wrote her memoir, and the compromises and sacrifices she had to make to write the memoir in the most accurate way. Listen to Joeita Gupta’s conversation with Andreae and Dorothy to find out how authors can balance sharing the joyous moments of their lives while also being critical of the systems that exclude people with disabilities. Plus, Karen McKay the Communications Manager at the Centre for Equitable Library Access, will provide some of CELA’s top memoir picks from their collection. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| The Smart Home: Benefit or Barrier? | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
Grant Hardy is joined by tech experts Shaun Preece, Andy Baryer, and John Biehler to compare and contrast the benefits of the smart home with the perils of planned obsolescence and tech troubleshooting. Let's figure out if the smart home is really worth it. Andy Baryer from Handy Andy Media shares what he’s most excited about in his smart home for 2025, as well as his thoughts on futureproofing. Double Tap Host Sean Preece provides his own thoughts and experiences from an accessibility perspective. AMI Friend and Tech Contributor John Biehler reflects on some of the impact that planned obsolescence had on his household, and his thoughts on mitigating it. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Are Older Workers More Costly: Let's Dispell the Myths | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
Are older employees in the workforce wrongfully keeping work away from young people who are fresh out of school? Is AI taking over older workers' jobs first? Are aging employees too expensive to keep around? Let's get to the bottom of these questions.
Kelly MacDonald speaks with Lisa Taylor, Founder and CEO of Challenge Factory, a Canadian research and advisory firm focused on the future of work, dedicated to career services for older workers. She, along with Project Coordinator Jennifer St.Denis and Research Associate Emily Carew, gives us the decades of research-backed answers to our questions and teaches us what we can learn from older employees in the workforce. Michael French, National Director at Robert Half Canada, gives us the trending patterns, statistics, and market research around the current state of employment in Canada, helping us place our bets on where things are headed this year and into the future. About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians
with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and
AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform
AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of
accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities
through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal.
To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.
Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+
Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
- X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
- Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
- Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
- TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
- Email feedback@ami.ca
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for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
| |||
| BO and Beyond: The Shared Responsibilities of Personal Hygiene | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:26:58 | |
From crowded buses and train stations to classrooms, gyms, and healthcare settings, we’re constantly negotiating hygiene in shared spaces. Nisreen Abdel-Majid explores how to approach the tricky conversations of hygiene, addressing environment, expectation, and access. Kindergarten teacher Melinda Morbi shares how hygiene is introduced early in classrooms and how those messages can follow us into adulthood. Cardio and kickboxing instructor Noura Sadek reflects on fitness spaces where sweat is expected, and how fitness culture shapes ideas of cleanliness and confidence. Ada Juristovski, co-founder and CEO of Nala Care, compares health choices like antiperspirants versus deodorants, while registered nurse Leslie Depoe discusses hygiene standards in healthcare settings and their impact on care and comfort. We ask where the line lies between private choice and public responsibility when it comes to hygiene in shared spaces. About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians
with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and
AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform
AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of
accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities
through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal.
To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.
Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+
Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
- X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
- Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
- Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
- TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
- Email feedback@ami.ca
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for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
| |||
| Is There a Blind Culture? Exploring the Tensions of Community, Blind Pride, and Identity | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
What are some of the common touchstones in the blind community? Do they create a shared sense of culture? Joeita Gupta was curious and decided to invite some of the smartest people she knows to share their input on whether a blind culture exists. Joined by Andrew Leland, Barbara Pierce, Marcia Yale, and Michelle McQuigge, Joeita will explore the shared traits among the blind community, the stigma surrounding people living with disability, and whether a shared feeling of culture is directly responsible for feeling more blind pride. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Unwrapping Christmas: The Gift That Stayed With You | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:25:30 | |
To put a bow on 2025, Kelly MacDonald gathered stories about the unwrapped gifts that have stayed with us, in memory and impact. ESPN and Sportsnet's Dan Shulman nudges us about the gifts of advice and the giving of time. Artist Lucas Haneman remembers how just one gift lead to a lifetime of blessings. Angela Bonfanti, President and CEO of CNIB, shares how her childhood attempts to run away from home began teaching her some of the best lessons on advocacy. An array of guests remind us how thoughtful moments of kindness can have ever-lasting effects on those who receive them, and we may never even know the impacts. About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians
with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and
AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform
AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of
accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities
through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal.
To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.
Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+
Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
- X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
- Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
- Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
- TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
- Email feedback@ami.ca
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for information about our collection and use of personal data for
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| The Amplify Course: Voice Work Made Accessible for Neurodivergent Youth | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
Grant Hardy introduces us to the Mayday Club’s Amplify: Sound, Voice, and Radio course that took place this fall, in partnership with Disability Alliance BC. The sixteen-week course provided neurodivergent youth with hands-on experience in the fields of voice acting and radio hosting, including the opportunity to create an original radio series. Nicole Provost, the Founder of Mayday Club, shares what Mayday Club is: a grassroots initiative to empower neurodivergent youth by providing employment, leadership and travel opportunities. She also tells us about the Amplify Course and its impact on participants. Students Joey Lim and Liam Cooper speak about their experience in the Amplify course, as well as share a sneak-peak of the radio episodes they created. Jason Simpson with On the Mic Voice Training has over two decades of studio experience spanning commercials, animated series, films, and video games. He was an instructor for the Amplify course, and chats with us about his experience and takeaways. The students' produced mini-series airs on CIVL Radio this spring; the first episode, an original drama, airs on December 25th. To keep up with Mayday Club and find out more about the Amplify course, visit https://maydayclub.ca/amplify/. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Already an Artist: Embracing the Spotlight | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:25:00 | |
For many artists, legitimacy is imagined as a single moment, when someone finally says, “you’re in.” This episode follows emerging indie pop artist Laura Ulmer as she confronts the music industry gate keeping, able-ism, and internalized self-doubt that kept her hovering on the fringes, despite her ever-growing talent and repertoire. Alongside music publicist Eric Alper, we ask who really gets to decide when an artist is “real,” and what changes when you stop waiting for permission from an industry that rarely expects artists with disabilities to succeed. About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians
with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and
AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform
AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of
accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities
through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal.
To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.
Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+
Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
- X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
- Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
- Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
- TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
- Email feedback@ami.ca
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for information about our collection and use of personal data for
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| |||
| Is Free Postage for the Blind in Jeopardy: Explaining the Proposed Amendments Within Bill C-15 | 12 Dec 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
This past week proposed amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act surfaced, and free postage for literature for the blind could be removed. Joeita Gupta heard the alarming news and noticed how deeply it was affecting people in her close circles. Joeita is inviting you to listen to this episode of Reflections to find out why these amendments are so concerning, how you can use your voice to support the cause, and the lasting impacts a change like this could have. Jeffrey Rainey of Braille Literacy Canada will share his severe concern for the future literacy of blind Canadians if these amendments are made, and Canada Post takes action. What is the process for these amendments to be appealed? Brian Klunder of Temple Scott Associates is going to tell us all we need to know about how a bill is read in the House of Commons and the Senate. CELA, the Centre for Equitable Library Access is taking these potential amendments incredibly seriously, as it could threaten their ability to serve clients. CELA’s Executive Director Laurie Davidson joins us to share her take on these proposed changes to Bill C-15. Diane Bergeron is the CNIB’s Head of International Partnerships, and she will explain how these proposed amendments could also impact Canada’s international obligations in the United Postal Union Convention. Plus, we’ll hear from Canada Post and the office of Minister Joel Lightbound, Minister for Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement through statements provided to Joeita, and read by Reflections Feature Reporter Nisreen Abdel-Majid. If you would like to send a letter to your local Member of Parliament, you can use CELA’s template available here.
About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Kidfluencing: Creators Beware | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:26:30 | |
You can become a celebrity overnight and make money online, at a price, of course. And what’s that price when you’re a minor? Let’s find out the realities of becoming a kid influencer. When you’re not yet legally an adult, being a star can bring danger. The Ivey Business School at Western University conducted a study on “kidfluencing,” and we learn what they discovered with Lead Research Professor Daniel Clark, covering rights, consent, exploitation, and the gray areas and pitfalls of parenting kid influencers. Gabby Mendonca shares how freedom of expression can be compromised, drawing on her own experiences as a social media influencer and a person living with disability. John Melville, Vice President of Content Development and Operations at AMI, helps us tie together the pieces of online influencing—from making content to making money off content. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| The Road to Independence: My Guide Dog Journey | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:26:53 | |
We know technology wins a lot of the time, but no tech can connect to humans the way our four-legged working friends do, as they steadily lead us along in their trusted Guide Dog harness, encouraging us to get out there with confidence and ease. Beth Deer takes us through her personal (and sentimental) guide dog experiences. Beth’s husband, Cody, will join Beth to introduce their family, their pets, and their faithful guide dog Churro. Alison Evans and her guide dog Onyx were so influential in Beth’s decision to get a guide dog, and Alison speaks to Beth about why she ended up with a guide dog and her advocacy work through the charity Blatchington Court Trust. Plus, Beth is ecstatic to feature Jennifer Bauer, one of Churro’s puppy raisers, on this episode of Reflections. Jennifer is going to talk about what Churro was like as a puppy and the critical role puppy raisers play in everyone’s guide dog journey. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Making Spirits Bright: How to Host an Accessible Holiday Party | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
Holidays are the perfect time to gather with friends, family, coworkers, and your community. But how do hosts ensure that whether they’re in a grand banquet hall or trying to squeeze a few more chairs around their own dinner table, they’re creating an accessible space for everybody? From washrooms to festive attire, holiday lights to food allergies, join Joeita Gupta to find out how you or your organization can host an accessible gathering at any time in the year. Rosemarie Rosetti provides accessibility consultations through her business Rosetti Enterprises LLC. and has tips for making your home physically accessible ahead of your holiday party. For the corporate holiday gathering, Trish Kelly from Untapped Accessibility explains what organizers can do to create a party with tailored spaces and activities for their attendees. Plus, Rosemarie and Trish will weigh in on how to move things along socially to take some pressure off guests at your event. How about the home cook? How can they make their holiday party preparations a little less stressful, and safe for everyone? Renee Rentmeester, Executive Producer of the Cooking Without Looking TV Show and podcast, will share how she prepares cookies, candy, and allergy-safe environments for her friends and family. Plus, Joeita wants to know what do you do if you burn your dessert? We hope you have a safe, accessible, and festive holiday season, whatever way you celebrate! Happy Holidays from AMI-audio! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Multi-Sensory Art: Reimagining What's Possible | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
Grant Hardy explores how artists are going beyond the visual, reimagining how we experience art in diverse and multisensory forms. Violinist Leslie Ting's show, What Brings You In, in partnership with Theatre Passe-Muraille, is centred around the nonvisual experience for the audience, inviting people to participate in unique, auditory ways. Nonvisual, social practice artist Carmen Papalia shares details on his multisensory art projects, such as the Weather Warlock, which transforms the weather into soothing soundscapes; and describes his accessible navigation experience using a marching band. We also hear from Gagan Saran, a blind Indo-Canadian emerging artist and Writer, about how her work is challenging assumptions surrounding art and accessibility. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Fighting and Focus: The Martial Arts Mindset | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:24:20 | |
Can martial arts traditions help people with disabilities take on the world more confidently? Let's continue to explore this question, while we learn about martial arts mindsets and philosophies. Chris James is the Lead Instructor of the self defence workshops ran periodically at Balance for Blind Adults in Toronto. He, along with Kathleen Wilson and Mags Storey, share how they approach teaching blind and low vision participants self-defence techniques. We hear from Clement Chou, who introduces us to Aikido, a martial arts practice that he took on as a blind person, after some experimenting and exploring to find the right fit for him. And Johnny Tai, founder of Night Strike Self-Defence in Richmond, BC, is back. He teaches us what he's learned about martial arts through his years of teaching, learning, and appreciating what these practices and traditions has to offer. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Chronic Pain: How can we support people who live with it? - Part 2 | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
In Part 2 of this series, Grant Hardy digs a bit deeper into what is being done to treat chronic pain, and asks how people living with chronic pain can re-train their brains to lessen the impact of pain on their lives. Kara Stanley and Simon Paradis, authors of the book The Pain Project, are back to recount the tactics they’ve used to distract Simon’s brain in real-time when he's experiencing pain flare ups. Dr. Andrea Furlan returns to highlight some of the techniques she is using with her patients who live with chronic pain. She also shares some success stories of people whose lives have completely turned around after treatment. Dr. Furlan is a Physician at Toronto Rehab Hospital, a Scientist at KITE Research Institute – University Health Network Hospital, and Professor of Medicine at University of Toronto. Her YouTube channel provides awareness and education about chronic pain management About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Towards a World With Zero Barriers: Recognizing 2026 Zero Project Awardees | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
The Zero Project works alongside the UN community to spotlight and scale innovations that advance the goals of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. On December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it releases a list of award solutions toward its goal: a world with zero barriers. The full list is at zeroproject.org AMI-audio Manager Andy Frank spotlights three of these award recipients on this episode. Kevin Kelly, tells us about the Wayfinding Centre in Dublin, which empowers people and possibility through experience, mobility & transportation. David Betts was recently diagnosed with ALS and set to work on creating Talk To Me, Goose. We learn about this text-to-speech and AI-assisted communication approach. Becca Hume, Founder of TapSOS, shares how this app is making emergency outreach accessible for the Deaf and hard of hearing community, and much more. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| The Launch of Vision Health Canada: A new venture to keep our eyes on | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:24:23 | |
At Vision Health Canada (VHC), their work is unified under the guiding theme: One Voice. Clear Focus. Collective Action. They aim to collaborate with government, industry, clinicians, researchers, and community partners to establish a unified national approach to vision health. In this roundtable discussion, Kelly MacDonald introduces us to Jim Sanders, Director at VHC; Ian White, Chair of the VHC Board; and Michael Baillargeon, CEO and President of VHC About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians
with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and
AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform
AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of
accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities
through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal.
To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.
Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+
Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
- X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
- Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
- Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
- TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
- Email feedback@ami.ca
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| Chronic Pain: How can we support people who live with it? - Part 1 | 28 Nov 2025 | 00:27:30 | |
Grant Hardy hears from individuals living with chronic pain about their experiences, struggles, and how they are working to move forward. Couple Kara Stanley and Simon Paradis published their book, “The Pain Project,” that documents their journey of Simon’s chronic pain after a traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Simon’s band is called “Them Ordinary Things”. We speak about “The Pain Project” as well as the hopes and struggles of this couple’s journey and how Simon uses music to get through his pain. Ardra Shephard is a long-time friend of AMI and host of the “Tripping On Air” podcast. She joins us to discuss her journey with multiple sclerosis, as well as her thoughts on how couples can navigate a diagnosis like MS together. Dr. Andrea Furlan is a Physician at Toronto Rehab Hospital, a Scientist at KITE Research Institute – University Health Network Hospital, and Professor of Medicine at University of Toronto. Her YouTube channel provides awareness and education about chronic pain management. She joins us to provide her medical perspective on chronic pain. Join us for the first of a two-part series on navigating the hopes, struggles, and important conversations surrounding chronic pain. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
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| Fighting and Focus: Self-Defence in the Real World | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:24:48 | |
We know the fears and anxieties that come with navigating the streets on our own, being out late in unfamiliar areas, or moving through public transit systems. Let’s talk honestly about those realities, and figure out safety, strategy, and self-defence.
Samira Lavei and Lindsay McCaw run the Unbreakable Women’s Self-Defence series in Toronto; they share practical self-defence tips and emphasize the importance of coming together as a community for safety in numbers.
Can martial arts traditions help people with disabilities take on the world more confidently? Johnny Tai, founder of Night Strike Self-Defence in Richmond, BC, shares how he adapts his thinking, teaching, and problem-solving to address specific vulnerabilities faced by people with disabilities. About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians
with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and
AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform
AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of
accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities
through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal.
To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.
Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+
Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
- X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
- Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
- Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
- TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
- Email feedback@ami.ca
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| YouDescribe: Do I hear what you see? | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:27:30 | |
In 2025, video content offers vital access to information, but making videos accessible to blind and low-vision audiences is still a work in progress. Let's figure out where exactly we are in the grand scheme of things.
Kelly MacDonald introduces us to Joshua Miele’s project YouDescribe, a free, crowdsourced platform that allows people to add audio description tracks to YouTube videos.
We hear from the community bringing this initiative to life, including Ilmi Yoon, Teaching Professor and Director of Computing Programs at Northeastern University; Lana Do, Research Assistant; Dr. Shasta Marie Ihorn, Associate Professor of Psychology at San Francisco State University; and Tanja Milojevic, who contributes consultation on quality control and feedback for YouDescribe.
We also grab insights from Christopher Patnoe, Lead for EMEA Accessibility & Disability Innovation at Google, for perspectives on the state of audio description, the role AI plays in all this, and how creative, user-centered innovations like YouDescribe support greater access for the blind and low-vision community. About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians
with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and
AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform
AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of
accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities
through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal.
To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.
Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+
Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:
- X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
- Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
- Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
- TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
- Email feedback@ami.ca
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