The Pulse: Recent Episodes
Accessible Media Inc.
The Pulse is a podcast discussing issues impacting the disability community across Canada on AMI-audio. Host Joeita Gupta, who is blind, also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Grant Hardy hosts The Pulse, and speaks with Dilshad Kassam-Lallani, and Wesley Magee-Saxton from Holland Bloorview Kid’s Rehabilitation Hospital about the “Turning 18 isn’t so sweet: the critical gaps in health care for young adults with disabilities” report, part of their bigger advocacy campaign called “No Piece of Cake.”
The report highlights the systemic change that is needed to support patients with disabilities through their transition from pediatric healthcare to the adult health care system.
Dilshad Kassam-Lallani is a nurse practitioner in the Spina Bifida/Spinal Cord Injury Clinic at Holland Bloorview and sat on the advisory panel for the report. She speaks to Grant about the experiences with patients that helped her advise the reporters for this campaign, and what kind of impact this kind of report can have on the disability community.
Then, Wesley Magee-Saxton joins Grant for a conversation about their lived experience aging out of the pediatric healthcare system. Wesley is 24 years old and has Cerebral Palsy. They were a patient of Holland Bloorview from 18 months old to 18 years old and describes their 18th birthday as “falling off a cliff.”
You can read the full report at www.nopieceofcake.ca
Highlights:
- Show Intro (00:00)
- Introducing Dilshad Kassam-Lallani (1:30)
- Key findings from the report (3:39)
- Demographics and location’s impact on healthcare accessibility (6:30)
- Dilshad’s biggest takeaway from the report (8:01)
- Biggest risks that patients face coming out of pediatric care (10:48)
- What can we do to create change? (12:39)
- Introducing Wesley Magee-Saxton (15:47)
- What was the transition to adult health care like? (17:04)
- Ways to support patients coming out of pediatric care (18:01)
- The most shocking aspect of aging out of pediatric care (19:49)
- What can be changed in the adult health care system? (20:43)
- Young adults deserve better during this transitional period (22:41)
- Wesley’s work at Holland Bloorview (25:46)
- Wesley’s dreams in Hollywood! (26:41)
Find us on Twitter: @AMIaudio #PulseAMI
To contact the Pulse: feedback@ami.ca
Check out our website: https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Joeita interviews Arthur Gwynne, operations manager at RAMPD, the Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities, about creating disability-inclusive spaces in the performing arts.
Highlights
- Disability Inclusion in the Performing Arts - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Arthur Gwynne – Head of Operations at RAMPD (01:11)
- About RAMPD - Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (01:38)
- The Origins of RAMPD (03:11)
- The RAMPD Community (07:48)
- Disability Advocacy in the Music Industry (12:25)
- Pushing the Boundaries of Art Itself (20:13)
- Closing Remarks (26:08)
RAMPD –
Award-winning platform equipping the Music Industry with Disability inclusive solutions, programs, and a directory of peer-vetted music professionals and creators with disabilities, neurodivergence and chronic and mental health conditions.
Find RAMPD online - Facebook, Instagram
Arthur Gwynne Bio - from LinkedIn
Arthur heads operations for the award-winning platform RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities) where he’s collaborated with the likes of Netflix and the Recording Academy to build inclusive programming. Arthur also manages the career of globally touring recording artist, charting songwriter and cultural activist Lachi—the go-to voice on Disability Culture in the music industry through her work on the GRAMMYs Board and as CEO of RAMPD. Throughout the course of this mission-work, Arthur stepped away from a career in executive recruitment, and opened up publicly about his own neurodiversity. Today Arthur runs a robust diverse team, booking national tours, negotiating major contracts, working everything from creative projects and music releases to development programs from cradle-to-grave.
Arthur speaks on panels and podcasts—at places like the Kennedy Center and the Music Managers Forum—on how embracing one’s neurodivergence is an asset in the music industry. He has also made it his mission to break down the silos and barriers holding back the disability community, laying seeds for a national conversation on Disability Culture and what Inclusion and Universal Accessible Design means at a practical and industrial level. Beyond all of this, Arthur is Lachi’s stylist, and designs her iconic Glam Canes.
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita interviews Darryl Adams, Director of Accessibility at Intel, about his journey with accessible technology and his predictions about AI as a vehicle for disability inclusion.
Highlights:
- Disability, Access & Technology - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Darryl Adams, Director of Accessibility at Intel (01:13)
- Computer Architecture, Hardware & Accessibility (01:29)
- Darryl’s Journey with Intel and Access Tech (02:37)
- Embracing Technology in a Different Way (04:27)
- Challenges Pursuing Accessibility (06:17)
- Artificial Intelligence, Accessibility & Intel (09:11)
- Generative AI (12:28)
- Privacy Concerns Surrounding AI (13:36)
- Intel’s New Indoor Wayfinding Initiative (15:23)
- Wayfinding Tech Demo at Paris Olympics (17:30)
- Keeping Wayfinding Maps Up to Date (18:45)
- Darryl’s Vision for the Future of Access Tech (21:17)
- Closing Remarks (22:54)
It All Started in the Cafeteria
Darryl Adams’ mission to make a more accessible PC started with an epiphany in the Intel cafeteria in 2007. Adams was meeting his colleague, to discuss a new passion project: a device that would scan printed text and read it out loud for people with severe dyslexia, like his colleague, or visual impairment, like Adams.
Fast forward to today, Darryl Adams is the Director of the Intel Accessibility Office.
Darryl Adams Opinion piece: “Intel’s Commitment to Building an Inclusive and Accessible World"
Accessibility at Intel
Follow Darryl Adams online: LinkedIn, X / Twitter
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
This week, Joeita interviews Kendall Soucie, director of the HEAL Lab at the University of Windsor, about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Highlights
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosis (PCOS) - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Kendall Soucie – Director of the HEAL Lab (01:05)
- What is PCOS? (3:00)
- What Causes PCOS? (5:21)
- Stigma Around Women’s Reproductive Health (06:25)
- PCOS Impacts Beyond Fertility (09:58)
- Long Term Use of Birth Control Pills (14:55)
- Alternative Treatments & Lifestyle Changes (16:48)
- Body Image, Femininity & PCOS (19:50)
- Disclosure & Supporting Someone with PCOS (24:25)
- Closing Remarks (30:40)
Guest Bio
Dr. Kendall Soucie is an assistant professor of psychology in the applied social psychology department at the University of Windsor. She's also the director of the HEAL Lab, which is the health experience and longevity lab.
Reference:
Health Experiences and Longevity Lab
The Health Experiences and Longevity (HEAL) Lab is directed by Dr. Kendall Soucie in the Department of Psychology at the University of Windsor.
Her research interests lie at the intersection of Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology. She is interested in understanding the psychosocial and institutional determinants of chronic health conditions (e.g., diagnosis experiences, misdiagnoses/errors, illness disclosures, social support, and illness stigma) within women's health. Her focus is on PCOS, the most common, yet misdiagnosed endocrine syndrome in individuals assigned female at birth, but she is also interested in IBD, HS, POTS, and endometriosis, and their impact on quality of life. Dr. Soucie also explores how chronic health conditions impact a person's identity/life story, body image, and relationships with others, across the lifespan. She focuses on aspects of strength, resilience, and healing, and building community in her work, with her most recent set of studies exploring "thriving with PCOS across the lifespan". Her second area of interest lies in understanding how youth contribute to their communities during the transition to adulthood--with foci on youth generativity, prosocial engagement, and environmental justice. Dr. Soucie integrates quantitative (SEM, HLM) and qualitative (life narrative/autobiography, interviews, arts-based methods) approaches to better understand these domains of study.
Monash University PCOS Guideline -
This International evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is designed to provide clear information to assist shared decision-making and support optimal patient care and better health outcomes for the one in eight women affected by this condition.
It is the culmination of the engagement of over 3,000 health professionals and the work of 100+ multidisciplinary clinical and lived experience experts from six continents and 71 countries internationally.
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
We discuss the new Ojibwe-dubbed version of Star Wars: A New Hope with Maeengan Linklater, Operations Director of the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, and Michael Kohn, Director of Distribution Operations for Lucasfilm.
The interview discusses why projects like these are so important to the revitalization of Indigenous languages.
Highlights:
- The Preservation of Indigenous Languages - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Star Wars: A New Hope in Ojibwe – Trailer (01:24)
- Introducing Maeengan Linklater - Director of Operations of the Dakota Ojibwe Tribal Council (03:27)
- Origins of Star Wars Ojibwe Project (03:43)
- Process of Translating Star Wars into Ojibwe (08:25)
- Revitalization of Indigenous Languages (15:16)
- Introducing Michael Kohn - Director of Distribution Operations for Lucasfilm (18:11)
- Working on the Navajo Version of Star Wars (18:29)
- Differences Between Making the Navajo & Ojibwe Versions (19:47)
- Casting Ojibwe Star Wars (20:37)
- Impact of Navajo Version of Star Wars (22:02)
- Why Star Wars? (23:11)
- Parallels Between Indigenous Culture and Star Wars (24:24)
- Other Opportunities (25:14)
- Closing Remarks (26:40)
Reference:
APTN Announcement
CBC Article - "This is going to be huge,' Manitoba actress says as premiere of Ojibwe-dubbed Star Wars film nears"
Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
This week, Joeita speaks to Cameroon-based disability rights activist, journalist, and lecturer Kesah Princely Nfortoh about the impact of the country's civil war on People with Disabilities in Cameroon and the importance of involving People with Disabilities in the peace process.
Highlights
- Disability, War & the Peace Process - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Kesah Princely Nfortoh (01:10)
- The Anglophone Conflict in Cameroon (01:41)
- Impact of Conflict on Persons with Disabilities (03:57)
- Kidnapping of Blind University Student (05:59)
- Disability News Africa (08:30)
- Importance of Access to Technology (14:53)
- Supporting the Peace Process & Disability Inclusion (18:29)
- Involving People with Disabilities in the Peace Process (19:53)
- Closing Remarks (22:42)
- Show Close (23:38)
Links
Foundation for the Inclusion and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Disability News Africa
Find Kesah Princely Nfortoh online: LinkedIn, X
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
This week, Joeita speaks to Ely Tee, founder of "Gimping", a Facebook group about camping and outdoor activities for People with Disabilities.
Highlights
- Making the Outdoors Accessible - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Ely T & “Gimping” (01:04)
- Starting the “Gimping” Facebook Group for Adaptive Camping & Outdoorsing for People with Disabilities (02:32)
- Accessible Camping Tips & Tricks (03:16)
- Ely the Adventurer (05:11)
- The Call of the Wild (06:34)
- Accessible Campsites & Provincial Parks (09:14)
- Accessibility Improvements (10:59)
- Financial Barriers to Accessing the Outdoors (11:37)
- Planning for an Outdoors Excursion (13:07)
- Camping with Others (16:20)
- Unforeseen Situations & Camping Emergencies (17:51)
- Essential Items for Backcountry Exploration (20:29)
- Getting Started (22:50)
- Show Close (24:48)
"Gimping" Facebook Group
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
This week Joeita speaks to blind YouTuber Sam Seavey, creator of the Blind Life YouTube channel.
Highlights
- Blindness & Technology - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Sam Seavey – YouTuber & Host of the Blind Life (01:13)
- Growing the Channel & Standing Out from the Crowd (03:06)
- Knowing Your Audience (04:51)
- Latest Tech Developments for the Blind (05:56)
- Applications of AI (08:18)
- Ethics of Adopting AI in the Blind and Low Vision Community (10:24)
- Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality & the Visually Impaired (12:00)
- Patriot Viewpoint Edge Enhancement (14:40)
- DIY Tech Solutions (15:47)
- Addressing the Digital Divide (17:05)
- Financial Barriers to Accessing Assistive Devices (18:51)
- TechnoAbleism & “Fixing Disability” (21:04)
- Blind & Low Vision Innovators in the Tech Field (24:06)
- Exciting Accessible Tech on the Horizon (25:11)
- Show Close (26:09)
About Sam Seavey
Sam was diagnosed at age 11 with Stargardt’s, an early onset form of macular degeneration, and was legally blind by his mid-teens. Over the last 30 years, he has developed an extensive background in research and understanding of assistive devices and techniques of living with low vision.
Sam is the founder and creator of The Blind Life YouTube Channel, which, according to a recent article from the Foundation Fighting Blindness, “is currently the largest resource for assistive technology on the internet.” With more than 50,000 subscribers and over 700 informative videos, Sam helps people world-wide living with vision loss, offering tips for managing daily tasks, reviewing assistive devices, and hosting informative interviews with key stakeholders in the visually impaired community.
Sam is recognized as an expert when speaking and presenting at national conferences. Featured in USA TODAY, WIRED
Magazine, and numerous national and international podcasts on assistive technology, he collaborates with tech giants like Google, SONY and Amazon, has created content for numerous websites and participates on Microsoft’s Window’s Accessibility Advisory Board.
Sam currently manages the A-T program at a nonprofit where he provides training on assistive devices ranging from low tech items like simple bump dots and magnifiers, to phone apps and assistive computer software. Whether he’s working one on one with clients or through his YouTube videos, Sam’s goal is to help everyone live their BEST BLIND LIFES!
Links:
The Blind Life Website, YouTube & Podcast
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
We preview the Desiring Autism and Neurodivergence Symposium with Patty Douglas,Associate Professor of Disability Studies & Chair of Student Success and Wellness at Queen's University & Metis Beadworker & Visual Artist Claire Johnston.
Highlights:
- Autism & Neurodiversity in Educational Settings - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Patricia Douglas - Associate Professor of Disability Studies & Chair of Student Success and Wellness at Queens University (01:31)
- Desiring Autism and Neurodivergence Symposium (02:32)
- Desiring Versus Inclusion or Acceptance (04:02)
- Conference Themes & Agenda (06:50)
- Including Artists in Academic Discussions (9:28)
- Target Audience for Symposium (12:20)
- Registering for the Symposium (15:03)
- Introducing Claire Johnston - Metis Beadworker & Visual Artist (16:25)
- Storytelling & Bead Making Workshop (16:56)
- Indigenous Perspective Around Autism & Neurodiversity (18:56)
- Metis Bead Work (23:51)
- Show Close (26:54)
Guest Bio’s
Patty Douglas
Patty Douglas (she/they) is a former special education teacher in Ontario and British Columbia and an Associate Professor of Disability Studies in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University. She is a Senior Research Affiliate at the Re•Vision Centre for Art and Social Justice at the University of Guelph.
Her research focuses on rethinking deficit approaches to disability at the intersection of difference in education using critical and creative approaches including disability studies, critical autism studies, mad (m)othering, decolonial studies and arts-based and creative methodologies.
Douglas founded and currently leads the Re•Storying Autism in Education project (SSHRC Insight Grant www.restoryingautism.com), a multimedia storytelling project in Canada, the UK and Aotearoa (New Zealand) that collaboratively reimagines autism and practice in education and health in ways that centre historically excluded perspectives and affirm and desire difference.
As a white settler academic, Douglas is deeply committed to decolonizing research. She identifies as neurodivergent and invisibly disabled.
Her monograph, Unmothering Autism: Ethical Disruptions and Affirming Care is in production with UBC Press.
Douglas offers talks, consulting, and professional development for school divisions, educators and practitioners interested in neurodiversity affirming approaches.
Re•Storying Autism in Education
Re•Storying Autism in Education is a multimedia storytelling project that brings together Autistic people, family members, practitioners, educators and artists to rethink practice in ways that desire the difference of Autism.
Claire Johnston
Claire Johnston(she/they) is a Métis beadworker based in her Homeland of Winnipeg, MB.
Claire's beadwork practice is informed by the strengthening of relationships -- with herself, her kin and the natural world.
As an Autistic beadworker, her love of bright colours and attention to detail allow for vibrant and intricate pieces. Claire believes strongly in "cripping" the arts and expanding accessibility for Disabled and low-income Indigenous artists to thrive.
Her work has been exhibited at both the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in Vancouver, BC and Tangled Arts in Toronto, ON.
She is a steering committee member for the Critical Autism Summit that will take place in Manitoba in 2024, where she will host beading circles to facilitate discussions on decolonizing understandings of Autism and neurodiversity.
Find more of Claire’s work online: https://www.clairejohnston.net/
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks to blind filmmaker James Rath about his journey in film production and direction. Part 2 of a 2-part series.
Highlights
- Blindness, the Gaze & Filmmaking - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing James Rath - Legally Blind Film Director, Accessibility Advocate & Speaker (01:56)
- Becoming a Blind Filmmaker (02:20)
- The Impact of YouTube (04:49)
- Using a Camera & Editing Video as a Blind Person (7:55)
- Finding Inspiration (12:13)
- Collaborating with Major Brands (15:30)
- Working with a Cast & Crew (19:25)
- Upcoming Projects (22:10)
- Show Close (25:44)
Guest Bio
Born legally blind with non-correctable conditions, Ocular Albinism and Nystagmus, James found a love for the camera when he realized, at its core, it's just a hi-tech magnifier. Since the age of 8, James has actively filmed videos for the digital age.
Through his YouTube channel, film work, and public speeches, James explores how technology enhances lives, particularly for those with disabilities. His work not only educates but also entertains, empowers, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of the disabled community.
Links:
James Rath's Website
SEE DIFFERENT
SEE DIFFERENT is an initiative founded by filmmaker and content creator James Rath, aimed at promoting accessibility and innovation through storytelling and community engagement. Born with blindness, James uses his unique perspective to challenge norms and inspire change.
James Rath on YouTube
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks to scriptwriter and disabled TV producer Ophira Calof about the Disabled Producers Lab a new program designed to teach production skills to disabled women and trans creators. Part 1 of a 2 part series.
Highlights
- Disability Stereotypes - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Ophira Calof – Writer, Performer & Facilitator (01:54)
- Cripping the Script (04:00)
- Shifting Our Structures (05:00)
- The Role of the Storyteller (06:51)
- Representation & Disability Narratives (10:18)
- Disabled Producers Lab (12:46)
- Addressing Barriers, Ableism & Broader Structural Issues (19:50)
- Increasing Disability Representation in the TV Landscape (23:07)
- Disabled Producers Lab Application Process (25:17)
- Show Close (27:01)
Guest Bio -
Ophira Calof (pronouns: they/she) is a multi-award winning Disabled writer and performer who is drawn to character driven stories that combine humour and heart while subverting narrative tropes and works to “crip the script,” centring disability knowledge and experience. Their recent credits include One More Time (CBC), Rubble and Crew (Treehouse TV), PUSH (CBC), Shelved (CTV), Dino Dex (Amazon Prime), Welcome Series (Titan1Studios), and their solo show Literally Titanium, which has been featured in both academic and performance spaces as a case study in accessible production.
Ophira is also the creative director for the Accessible Writers’ Lab, a national initiative presented by AMI, RAFFTO and sponsored by the Canada Media Fund and Telefilm, to experiment with what an accessible tv writers’ room might involve. Ophira was the accessibility process lead for AccessCBC, and the curatorial committee lead for the 2022 ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto. They have taught workshops and provided mentorship internationally on storytelling, writing, music, accessibility and disability narratives, and created the courses Sketch Comedy with Ophira Calof and Crip Storytelling, a series in partnership with Centre of Independent Living Toronto and the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre.
Additionally, Ophira has created a number of disability arts projects including the series Making Space: Stories of Disabled Youth Past and Present (Myseum Toronto/RAFFTO) and Dis/Play, a public arts project that projected the stories of over 50 Deaf and Disabled creatives onto exterior building walls across the city (MNJCC/RAFFTO/ArtWorxTO: Toronto's Year of Public Art 2021-2022).
Ophira graduated from Second City’s Writing and Sketch Conservatory programs and the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre Emerging Creator’s Unit. They were featured in the Second City 2018 Toronto Diversity Fellowship Showcase, are the 2018 recipient of the Tim Sims Encouragement Award and received the 2021 Cahoots Theatre Promising Pen Prize. They were also named a TV writing fellow for the 2022 RespectAbility Lab for Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities and are currently taking part in the 2023 Warner Brothers Discovery Access X Canadian Academy Writers Program.
Disability Screen Office:
The Disability Screen Office is a national, not-for-profit organization that works with the Canadian screen industry to eliminate accessibility barriers and foster authentic and meaningful disability representation throughout the sector.
We are excited to help make the Canadian media industry more inclusive, and look forward to amplifying the voices of people with disabilities across the Canadian media landscape.
Disabled Producers Lab:
The Disabled Producers Lab is a part-time, online program designed as a space for disabled producers marginalized by gender across Canada including, but not limited to, transgender women, cisgender women, transgender men, non-binary people and many other gender identities.
Up to five participants will enter the lab with a completed short film script (up to 10 minutes or 10 to 11 pages) and be paired with an industry mentor to support them in developing a comprehensive production binder for the film featuring a realistic schedule, budget, accessibility plan and pitch package.
This lab aims to strengthen the skills and knowledge required to be a successful producer and create systemic change within the production industry by fostering an environment where accessibility is at the forefront of production practices, challenging and reshaping industry norms.
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks to sex educator and host of AMI-tv's "That Sex Show," Rachele Manett, about how parents and caregivers of youths with disabilities can have meaningful conversations about sex, sexuality and gender identity.
Highlights
- Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Rachele Manett (01:30)
- KNEDS - Knowledge Network of Expertise in Disability and Sexuality (03:32)
- Disability, Sexuality, and the Role of the Caregiver (05:43)
- Reasons for Lack of Comfort Discussing Sexuality & Disability (07:04)
- The Desexualizing of People with Disabilities (08:46)
- Personal Support Workers, Caregivers, Intimacy & Sexuality (10:22)
- Resources Related to Disability & Sexuality (12:42)
- Conversations Surrounding Sex Toys & Supplies (17:43)
- When to Start Discussing Sexuality, Consent & Privacy (19:26)
- Sex Education & Disability in the School System (21:44)
- Advice for Parents & Caregivers (24:27)
- Show Close (25:37)
Guest Bio (courtesy of Venus Envy)
Rachele Manett (they/she) is a queer, disabled sex educator, and host of Accessible Media Inc's That Sex Show. Their work is influenced by their own experience with disability, as well as a background in recreation therapy and a masters degree exploring acquired physical disability and sexuality. While her work explores all sorts of sexuality-related topics, Rachele holds a particular love towards disabled sexuality and accessible sex practices.
Watch “That Sex Show” on AMI
See Rachelle in “Our Community: Accessing Pleasure”
In this episode of Our Community: The Tetra Society's focus is to find solutions to overcome environmental barriers faced by people with disabilities, including sex toys. In this episode, we’ll follow each step of a request being fulfilled.
More on the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital ProFILE Lab
The ProFILE Lab is part of the Bloorview Research Institute at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and is led by Dr. Amy McPherson, Senior Scientist at Holland Bloorview and Associate Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto. Amy is a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society, Division of Health Psychology. She is also a psychotherapy trainee.
The work conducted in the ProFILE Lab addresses timely research questions around the promotion of the health and wellness of children with disabilities and long-term conditions. Weight management, body diversity, sexuality, mental health, and disordered eating are priority areas of investigation. The lab regularly involves family stakeholders in research study teams to ensure research is timely and relevant.
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks to blind self-defence instructor and Brazilian Ju-jitsu practitioner Jim Turk about the relationship between martial arts and self-confidence for People with Disabilities.
Highlights
- The Benefits of Self-Defence - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Jim Turk, Martial Artist & Self-Defence Instructor (01:56)
- Practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (02:53)
- Learning Martial Arts as a Blind Student (04:22)
- Discovering Jiu-Jitsu (05:46)
- Appeal of Martial Arts During Vision Loss Journey (07:13)
- Building Confidence & Traveling Independently (09:05)
- Defending Yourself in Public (11:18)
- Techniques to Break Someone’s Grip (12:44)
- Teaching Sighted and Blind Students (14:20)
- Empowerment Through Martial Arts (16:17)
- Deciding to Teach (19:25)
- Mental Health Benefits (20:09)
- Class Size (21:53)
- Competitions & Belts (22:41)
- Teaching Sighted Students (23:47)
- Online Lessons (24:21)
- Fight Back Self Defense (25:20)
- Tips for the Blind Traveler (26:30)
- Show Close (28:33)
About Jim Turk & Fight Back Self Defense
"My name is Jim Turk. I am a self-defense instructor, and also happen to be completely blind. It is an unfortunate fact that criminals often target people who are perceived, for whatever reason, as "easy targets". The reasons for this perception could range from a person’s age, gender, physical size, or, as in my case, a noticeable disability. Regardless of the reason for this perception of vulnerability, assaults against people in these categories tend to be very similar in nature to one another. For this reason, the self-defense principles and techniques I teach are useful to a wide range of individuals, such as senior citizens, women, children, and those with disabilities. After I began losing my vision, I started becoming more interested in personal safety and self-defense. I have since earned my blue belt in the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and have received my certification as a coach in the OneTouch self-defense system, which was specifically designed for blind people. The more I learn, the more I wanted to be able to share my knowledge with others, so I have started my own business teaching self-defense, called Fight Back.
I am located in Villa Park, IL, and I am available to teach private lessons or group classes."
Contact Jim Turk for more info: fightbackllc@gmail.com
More About Jim Turk
Self-Defense Instructor Jim Turk Receives 2019 Council Excellence Award
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks to Devon Healey, assistant professor of disability studies at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto, about her research into the dramatization and perception of blindness in theatre.
Healey is also an award-winning actor, co-founder of Peripheral Theater and the author of “Dramatizing Blindness: Disability Studies as Critical Creative Narrative,” which came out in 2021.
Highlights:
- “What is Blindness?” - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Perceptions of Blindness (01:10)
- Introducing Devon Healy; Actor, Assistant Professor of Disability Studies & Author of “Dramatizing Blindness” (02:05)
- The Many Conceptions of Blindness (02:56)
- Interrogating Sightedness (06:23)
- Simulating Sighted Behaviour (09:28)
- “Blind” Performers & the Sighted Blindness Consultant (12:35)
- Relationship Between Theatre & Blindness (16:08)
- Academics & Dramatizing Blindness (17:29)
- Rainbow on Mars (18:56)
- Immersive Descriptive Audio (20:07)
- Radio Plays & the National Ballet (22:34)
- Kaleidoscopic Feelings of Blindness (26:22)
- More from Devon Healey (31:20)
- Show Close (32:02)
Guest Bio
Devon Healey is an Assistant Professor of Disability Studies at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. All of her work is grounded in her experience as a blind woman guided by a desire to show how blindness specifically and disability more broadly can be understood as offering an alternate form of perception and is thus, a valuable and creative way of experiencing and knowing the world.
She is the author of, Dramatizing Blindness: Disability Studies as Critical Creative Narrative (Palgrave Macmillan, 2021). Devon is an award-winning actor and the co-founder of, Peripheral Theatre. In 2020 she was awarded a commission by Outside the March (Dora award-winning Toronto theatre company) to both write and perform in, Rainbow on Mars, a sensory reclamation of blindness. Prof. Healey teaches courses in critical disability studies.
Follow Devon Healey on X (Twitter) -@devonkhealey
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks to Hubert van Niekirk, Executive Director of Every Canadian Counts, about a campaign to create a National Disability Insurance Plan in Canada.
Highlights
- Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Hubert Van Kiekerk, Executive Director for Every Canadian Counts (01:25)
- The Proposed National Disability Insurance Plan (02:56)
- Potential Impact of Plan for Canadians with Disabilities (03:54)
- Relationship Between National Plan & Existing Provincial Programs (06:07)
- Cutting Back on Bureaucracy & Disability Admin (07:54)
- Benefits of NDIP for Families and Caregivers (09:40)
- Bringing the Australian Model to Canada (12:12)
- Supporting Canadian Youth with Disabilities (15:19)
- Cost & Viability of National Disability Insurance Plan (16:39)
- Governmental Cooperation (21:10)
- How to Get Involved with the NDIP (23:38)
- EveryCanadianCounts.com (26:11)
- Show Close (28:09)
Guest Bio
Hubert Van Niekerk, Interim Executive Director of Every Canadian Counts
Educator and specialist teacher, community leader and volunteer.
Hubert has a long history of working and volunteering in the disabled community.
He has been involved with the Ontario Association for Developmental Education for 18 years serving as a member-at-large, president and past president. Hubert served as the president of the Council for Exceptional Children for London-Middlesex.
He is on the L’Arche London board of directors. Before retirement, Hubert was a special education specialist teacher in a mostly self-contained classroom for 17 years. He taught students with a wide-range of intellectual and multiple disabilities. Hubert also engaged in a year-long teacher work exchange to Australia for the year of 2010.
About Every Canadian Counts
Every Canadian Counts (ECC) is calling on Canadian governments to work together to develop a national funding program to ensure essential disability supports are available to all Canadians living with chronic, long-term disabilities. ECC includes individuals living with disabilities, caregivers, advocates and support organizations.
With ongoing effort through Bill C-22 (An Act to reduce poverty and to support the financial security of persons with disabilities) and the Accessible Canada Act, now's the perfect time for the "next big thing" to support Canadians with disabilities, similar to what's already been accomplished in Australia through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) - and we can't do it without you.
Reference:
Article - The Australian Advantage: Speaking with One Voice
"For all the plaudits and superlatives that have been laid at the feet of the NDIS in Australia, a truly breathtaking social policy initiative, it is not primarily the disability insurance idea itself nor its subsequent implementation that sets Australia apart. Rather, it was the ability of the disability community and their supporters to speak with one voice to get it done.
How was that possible?"
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita previews Season 5 of AMI-tv's "Postcards from..." with the show’s new host, Author & Artist Christa Couture. Christa discusses her travels to various parts of Canada, the challenges of travelling with a prosthetic, and the joy of exploring new places with all 5 senses.
Highlights:
- Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Christa Couture – Writer, Musician, Broadcaster (01:19)
- About AMI-tv’s “Postcards From…” (03:23)
- Season 5 Travel Locations (04:37)
- Drumheller, the Dinosaur Capital of North America (05:30)
- Navigating Rugged Terrain with a Prosthetic (08:40)
- Bringing Attention to Accessibility Barriers (12:26)
- Prairie Oysters & Testy Festy (13:42)
- Dawson City & Whistler (16:36)
- Learning to Travel More Accessibly (18:09)
- Accessibility in Transportation (19:58)
- Unpacking the Suitcase Strategy (21:34)
- Travelling with Small Children (22:54)
- The Ultimate Souvenir (24:01)
- Show Close (25:55)
Guest Bio:
Christa Couture is an award-winning performing and recording artist, non-fiction writer and broadcaster. She is also proudly Indigenous, queer, disabled and a mom. Her sixth recording, Safe Harbour, was released March 2020. Her writing has been published in Room, Shameless and Augur magazines and cbc.ca. As a speaker and storyteller, she has addressed audiences for The Walrus Talks, CBC's DNTO, Moses Znaimer's ideaCity and Imaginate in Port Hope, ON. She is a frequent contributor to CBC Radio's Now or Never and The Next Chapter, and hosts Season 5 of AMI-tv’s accessible travel series “Postcards From…”
Watch "Postcards From..." on AMIPlus.ca
Find Music from Christa Couture on Bandcamp
“A remarkable chanteuse, singing superb material,” deems Roots Music of Christa Couture, an award-winning indie artist who has built a reputation for transforming tragedy into musical triumph, with sharp-shooting wit, effortless grace, and heart-on-sleeve intensity.
Follow Christa Couture on Facebook
Christa Couture's Book - How to Lose Everything: A Memoir
Christa Couture has come to know every corner of grief—its shifting blurry edges, its traps, its pulse of love at the centre and the bittersweet truth that sorrow is a powerful and wise emotion.
From the amputation of her leg as a cure for bone cancer at a young age to her first child’s single day of life, the heart transplant and subsequent death of her second child, the divorce born of grief and then the thyroidectomy that threatened her career as a professional musician, How to Lose Everything delves into the heart of loss. Couture bears witness to the shift in perspective that comes with loss, and how it can deepen compassion for others, expand understanding, inspire a letting go of little things and plant a deeper feeling for what matters. At the same time, Couture's writing evokes the joy and lightness that both precede and eventually follow grief, as well as the hope and resilience that grow from connections with others.
"How to Lose Everything" series on CBC Gem
How to Lose Everything is an Indigenous series of animated short films that explore personal stories of loss. The five films’ stories span nations, languages, and perspectives on heartache.
More from Christa Couture
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita discusses tips and tricks for blind home cooks with Renee Rentmeester, executive producer of the "Cooking Without Looking" TV show and podcast. She shares safety tips as well as accessible tricks of the trade.
Highlights
- Cooking & Blindness - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Renee Rentmeester of “Cooking Without Looking” TV Show and Podcast (01:10)
- About “Cooking Without Looking” (02:29)
- More on the Blind Hosts of the Show (03:47)
- Where to Find “Cooking Without Looking” (04:38)
- Typical Episode Format (05:17)
- Choosing Guests for the Show (07:15)
- Safety Tips for Blind Cooks (10:28)
- Safety on the Stove Top (12:55)
- Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen (15:00)
- Using Your Other Senses (16:26)
- Appliances, Kitchen Gadgets & Accessibility (18:11)
- International Cuisine (20:17)
- “Cooking Without Looking” Cookbook (22:51)
- The Most Complicated Recipe Made on the Show? (24:32)
- More Recipes & Tips from “Cooking without Looking” (26:19)
- Show Close (27:28)
“Cooking Without Looking” Website
Cooking Without Looking is the First TV Show which features People who are Blind/Visually Impaired. We provide the stage for people to show what living blind is really like, and to create a bridge of understanding.
Join the “Cooking Without Looking” Facebook Group
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks with Kate Mann, Associate Professor Cornell University's Sage School of Philosophy & author of "Unshrinking: How to Face Fatphobia," which draws on personal experience & rigorous research to expose how size discrimination harms everyone, and how to combat it.
Highlights
- The Insidiousness of Fatphobia - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Society’s Fixation on Weight & the “Ideal Body” (01:07)
- Introducing Kate Manne, Author of “Unshrinking: How to Face Fatphobia” (01:59)
- Philosophical Interest in Misogyny & Fatphobia (02:22)
- Defining Fatphobia (04:17)
- Complicated Relationship Between Fatness & Health (06:03)
- Fatphobia in the Healthcare System (10:15)
- Weigh-In Process & Weight-Inclusive Physicians (12:27)
- Diabetes, BMI & Stigma (13:19)
- Intersections of Fatphobia, Race, Class, Ability & Gender (16:22)
- The Politics of Anti-Fatness as Anti-Blackness (18:28)
- Thin-Privilege (19:36)
- Beyond Body-Positivity (22:24)
- Thinsplaining - Book Excerpt (24:22)
- Find the Book “Unshrinking: Facing Fatphobia” (27:51)
- Show Close (28:33)
Guest Bio -
Kate Manne is an associate professor of philosophy at Cornell University, where she’s been teaching since 2013. Before that, she was a junior fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows. Manne did her graduate work in philosophy at MIT and is the author of two previous books, Down Girl and Entitled.
“Unshrinking: How to Face Fatphobia” By Kate Manne from Penguin Random House
“An elegant, fierce, and profound argument for fighting fat oppression in ourselves, our communities, and our culture.”—Roxane Gay, author of Hunger
For as long as she can remember, Kate Manne has wanted to be smaller. She can tell you what she weighed on any significant occasion: her wedding day, the day she became a professor, the day her daughter was born. She’s been bullied and belittled for her size, leading to extreme dieting. As a feminist philosopher, she wanted to believe that she was exempt from the cultural gaslighting that compels so many of us to ignore our hunger. But she was not.
Blending intimate stories with the trenchant analysis that has become her signature, Manne shows why fatphobia has become a vital social justice issue. Over the last several decades, implicit bias has waned in every category, from race to sexual orientation, except one: body size. Manne examines how anti-fatness operates—how it leads us to make devastating assumptions about a person’s attractiveness, fortitude, and intellect, and how it intersects with other systems of oppression. Fatphobia is responsible for wage gaps, medical neglect, and poor educational outcomes; it is a straitjacket, restricting our freedom, our movement, our potential.
In this urgent call to action, Manne proposes a new politics of “body reflexivity”—a radical reevaluation of who our bodies exist in the world for: ourselves and no one else. When it comes to fatphobia, the solution is not to love our bodies more. Instead, we must dismantle the forces that control and constrain us, and remake the world to accommodate people of every size.
Articles:
In 'Unshrinking,' a writer discusses coming out as fat and pushing back against bias - NPR Interview
Fighting Fatphobia and Embracing ‘Unshrinking’: The Ms. Q&A With Kate Manne - MS Magazine
Reference:
Belly of the Beast The Politics of Anti-Fatness as Anti-Blackness by Da'Shaun L. Harrison
To live in a body both fat and Black is to exist at the margins of a society that creates the conditions for anti-fatness as anti-Blackness. Hyper-policed by state and society, passed over for housing and jobs, and derided and misdiagnosed by medical professionals, fat Black people in the United States are subject to sociopolitically sanctioned discrimination, abuse, condescension, and trauma.
Da’Shaun Harrison—a fat, Black, disabled, and nonbinary trans writer—offers an incisive, fresh, and precise exploration of anti-fatness as anti-Blackness, foregrounding the state-sanctioned murders of fat Black men and trans and nonbinary masculine people in historical analysis. Policing, disenfranchisement, and invisibilizing of fat Black men and trans and nonbinary masculine people are pervasive, insidious ways that anti-fat anti-Blackness shows up in everyday life. Fat people can be legally fired in forty-nine states for being fat; they’re more likely to be houseless. Fat people die at higher rates from misdiagnosis or nontreatment; fat women are more likely to be sexually assaulted. And at the intersections of fatness, Blackness, disability, and gender, these abuses are exacerbated.
Taking on desirability politics, the limitations of gender, the connection between anti-fatness and carcerality, and the incongruity of “health” and “healthiness” for the Black fat, Harrison viscerally and vividly illustrates the myriad harms of anti-fat anti-Blackness. They offer strategies for dismantling denial, unlearning the cultural programming that tells us “fat is bad,” and destroying the world as we know it, so the Black fat can inhabit a place not built on their subjugation.
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks to Danielle Kaftarian, Executive Director of the Period Purse, about menstrual equity and what needs to change to ensure that all people who menstruate have access to period products.
Highlights
- Period Poverty & Menstrual Equity - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Danielle Kaftarian, Executive Director of the Period Purse (01:22)
- Importance of Discussing Menstrual Equity & Period Poverty (01:40)
- Stigma & Lack of Political Will (02:08)
- Why Don’t People Want to Talk About Periods? (03:28)
- Issues Surrounding Access & Alternatives (05:31)
- The Healthcare System & Menstrual Equity Fund (06:58)
- Offsetting the Increasing Cost-Burden of Menstrual Products (11:15)
- Challenges for People with Disabilities Who Might be Menstruating (13:00)
- Period Poverty Around the Globe (14:40)
- Menstrual Cups & Environmental Impacts (15:54)
- Employers & Menstrual Leave (18:01)
- Improving Comfort Levels Surrounding Menstruation (19:57)
- How & When to Talk About Periods Within the Family (21:17)
- About the Period Purse Charity (23:24)
- The Period Pack (24:27)
- Collaborating with Organizations (25:56)
- Donations & Sourcing Period Products (26:20)
- Period Purse Outside the Toronto-Area (27:18)
- Find the Period Purse Online (28:26)
- Show Close (28:45)
Guest Bio -
Danielle Kaftarian (she/her) - Executive Director, the Period Purse
Danielle is TPP’s Executive Director with ample experience! She studied Accounting and Business Administration and worked in the finance industry for over 10 years, along with other jobs. After having two children, she felt a strong desire to contribute to the community and support others. It was not until TPP was founded, that she discovered her true passion. From early TPP days, Danielle was involved in various roles, supporting its mission to achieve menstrual equity for everyone in Canada. She’s proud to serve as the Executive Director with an incredible team, working tirelessly towards period equity.
About the Period Purse - theperiodpurse.com
The Period Purse creates menstrual equity by ensuring sustainable access to period products for all, and by ending the stigma associated with periods through education and advocacy.
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks to financial advisor Ron Malis about estate planning and financial management for a child with a disability.
Highlights
- Financial Planning for a Child with a Disability - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Ron Malis, Financial Advisor & Founder of Reegan Financials (01:08)
- Getting Started Working with People with Disabilities (02:08)
- When Do Parents Typically Start Planning for their Child’s Future (3:41)
- Specific Considerations for Parents of a Child with a Disability (06:38)
- Impacts of Social Assistance Programs and Setting Up a Trust (08:34)
- All About the Henson Trust & Choosing a Trustee (10:55)
- Impact of Inheritances and other Income on Social Assistance Payments (18:24)
- Eligibility Requirements for a Henson Trust (20:22)
- Estate Planning in a Tax Efficient Way (21:17)
- Benefits of Planning Earlier in Life (24:28)
- Closing Remarks (26:27)
Learn More about Ron Malis & Reegan Financial - https://reeganfinancial.com/about/
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks disability lawyer Sivan Tumarkin of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP about long-term disability claims and how to apply for them.
Highlights
- The Ins and Outs of Long-Term Disability Claims – Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Sivan Tumarkin, disability lawyer and the National Co-Managing Partner of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP (01:14)
- What is Long-Term Disability and Who is Eligible? (02:14)
- Differences Between Personal Injury Claims, Workers’ Compensation & Long-Term Disability Claims (03:45)
- LTD Claims Across Canada (05:37)
- How to Start the Process of a Long-Term Disability Claim (06:37)
- HR & the Impact of Long-Term Disability Claims on Insurance Premiums (07:41)
- How Long Does the LTD Claim Process Take? (10:01)
- Documentation Requirements & Application Process (10:47)
- Pre-Existing Health Conditions & Reasons Disability Claims are Disqualified (12:44)
- How to Appeal or Challenge a Claim Denial (14:55)
- The Legal Process and Taking Insurance Companies to Court (18:11)
- Ombudspersons & Lodging Complaints Against Insurance Companies (22:41)
- Impact of Changes Within Employers or Insurance Companies on LTD Benefits (23:40)
- Breach of Policy & Reasonable Treatments (25:02)
- Recurrence Clauses, Episodic Illnesses & Disabilities (26:45)
- The David Versus Goliath Myth (Spoiler: David Wins!) (29:10)
- Visit Disabilityrights.ca & LTDFAQ.ca for More Info (30:09)
- Closing Remarks (30:58)
Guest Bio
Sivan Tumarkin is National Co-Managing Partner of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and heads the firm’s Disability & Personal Injury Law practice group across Canada. He also acts as a mediator for parties seeking to resolve their disputes efficiently and equitably.
Prior to co-founding Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, Sivan worked at one of the top insurance defence law firms in Canada. His clientele included insurance companies, municipalities and major retail corporations throughout Ontario. His previous experience working for insurance companies has given him unique insight into the long-term disability claim denial and appeals process, allowing him to secure strong results for his clients
Reference
Disability Rights Website
Frequently Asked Questions about Long-term Disability Claims
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks with Beth Beattie and Carole Dagher about their new book “The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in the Legal Profession” which discusses mental health and well-being amongst legal professionals.
Highlights
- Mental Health Within the Legal Profession – Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Beth Beattie & Carole Dagher (01:29)
- “The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in the Legal Profession” (03:12)
- Importance of Mental Health Amongst Legal Professionals (04:23)
- Fear & Secrecy Surrounding Mental Health Struggles (06:02)
- Contributors to “The Right Not to Remain Silent” & Mental Health Summit (08:31)
- What Can We Learn from Personal Essays on Mental Health? (12:27)
- Intersections of Mental Health, Sexism, Homophobia & Racism (15:56)
- Deciding to Disclose One’s Invisible Disability (19:31)
- Reducing Stigma & Changing the Culture Within the Legal Profession (22:24)
- Significance of Mental Health Awareness Amongst Legal Professionals (24:22)
- Closing Remarks (25:23)
More Info:
The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in The Legal Profession is a groundbreaking book that sets the stage for revolutionizing how mental health is perceived in the legal profession and beyond. It contains a series of candid and courageous memoirs by members of the legal profession living with mental health and addiction issues. The authors are judges, lawyers, and law professors with wide-ranging legal practices in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario including at Bay Street and small boutique firms.
Young lawyers and senior members of the profession share their experiences of working while living with various types of challenges – depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, addiction, grief, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism.
The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in The Legal Profession addresses the insidious nature of mental health stigma and isolation in the legal community. But it is fundamentally a book about hope. As the authors discuss their sometimes harrowing journeys, they also show routes back to meaningful engagement with colleagues and work.
To read these personal accounts is to be moved, inspired, and hopefully galvanized into action at the individual, collegial, and organizational level. This book offers practical solutions to change the culture of legal practice and beyond so as to bust apart stigma and isolation, foster people getting the support they need, and cultivate more diverse workplaces.
Book Contributors
- David S. Goldbloom
- The Honourable George R. Strathy
- The Honourable Michele Hollins
- Beth Beattie
- Carole Dagher
- Thomas Telfer
- Katherine Cooligan
- Orlando Da Silva
- Michael R. Ferguson
- Michael Herman
- Aidan Johnson
- Imran Kamal
- Ryan Middleton
- Yadesha Satheaswaran
- Leslie Anne St. Amour
- Dan Stein
- Courtney Wilson
- Leena Yousefi
- Brett D.M. Jones
- Shayan Imran
- M. Ishrat Husain
“Postpartum depression made me feel hopeless. Not Today.” article by Carole Dagher for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Guest Bio: Beth Beattie
Called to the Bar in 1994, Beth Beattie has a broad-based health law litigation practice.
Since January 2018 Beth has been a Friend of the Bell Let’s Talk campaign. Her story of working as a lawyer with bipolar disorder has been featured on television, radio, podcasts, print media and even billboards across the country. Television appearances include The Marilyn Denis Show, CTV News, CTV North News, CP24 and a CTV prime time special, “In Their Own Words”.
In 2021, 2022 and 2023 Beth co-chaired with the former Treasurer of the Law Society of Ontario, Teresa Donnelly, Mental Health Summits for Legal Professionals. Each year the Summits were watched by nearly 6,000 registrants.
Beth is a founding member of Voices for Mental Health which is a group of employees at the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General who have lived mental health experience or who have cared for loved ones with lived experience. Voices provides programming within the Ministry of the Attorney General and beyond on topics relating to mental health.
In 2022 Beth was awarded the Law Society Medal, the highest honour available to a lawyer in Ontario. The Medal was awarded for outstanding service within the profession in accordance with the highest ideals of the profession. She was also awarded the Ontario Psychiatric Association’s Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award.
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Health Equity
00:52 Barriers Faced by People with Disabilities
06:07 The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Equity
07:30 Addressing Health Inequities Highlighted by COVID-19
09:39 Tackling Health Equity in the Canadian Healthcare System
11:02 Understanding Sustainable Community Well-being
15:29 Taking a Critical Disability Lens in Healthcare
16:28 The Right to Health and Affirmation of People with Disabilities
22:19 Conclusion and Future Conversations
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks with Dominic Roberts, author of a new book of poetry "Blinded by the Write: Poems from a Twisted Mind" in which he discusses his vision loss journey.
Highlights:
- The Emotional Landscape of Blindness - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introduction – The Pulse Home Studio (01:14)
- Introducing Dominic Roberts, Poet and Author of “Blinded by the Write: Poems from a Twisted Mind” (4:22)
- Writing Process (06:30)
- Fantasy Side (6:58)
- Making Peace with Vision Loss through Poetry (08:04)
- “Eyes Tell Lies” (09:23)
- Prominence of Nature in Poetic and Vision Loss Journey’s (13:03)
- Other People’s Poetry (14:15)
- From a Poem to a Book (14:46)
- Nature’s Own Disco (15:32)
- Paradise Lost, Inspiration & the Milking Process (16:53)
- Deciding to Write & Publish a Book (18:09)
- “Blind is Beautiful” (20:40)
- Is Blindness Something to be Overcome? (24:16)
- Find More from Dominic Roberts (25:00)
- Show Close (26:11)
Links:
Blinded by the Write: Poems from a Twisted Mind (Amazon Canada, GoodReads)
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks to Carli Friedman of the University of Washington about disability and intimacy.
Highlights:
- The Value of Intimate Relationships - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Carli Friedman, Director of research for the Council on Quality and Leadership (01:09)
- Studying Disability & Intimacy (02:17)
- Defining Intimacy (03:26)
- Benefits of Having Intimate Relationships (04:01)
- Barriers to Close Relationships (05:30)
- Impact of Housing Situation (06:11)
- Access to Privacy (07:39)
- Stigma Around Inter-Abled Relationships (08:40)
- Understanding Access-Needs (10:29)
- Common Experiences Versus Shared Interests (11:35)
- Social Media and Intimate Relationships (13:10)
- Attitudinal & Other Barriers (15:06)
- Facilitators & Gatekeepers (16:03)
- How to Form Intimate Relationships (18:56)
- Kinship, Belonging & Well-Being (20:15)
- Independence Versus Interdependence (21:06)
- Show Close (23:11)
Guest Bio:
Carli Friedman is the Director of Research for CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. CQL is an international not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the definition, measurement, and improvement of personal quality of life, through a world of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people with disabilities. Carli’s research at CQL works to promote meaningful community participation and empowerment of people with disabilities by exploring the impact policy, service systems, and providers can have on quality enhancement and quality of life. Carli, who has a Doctorate in Disability Studies, is the author of over 230 journal articles, book chapters, research briefs, and reports, focusing on ableism, community integration of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Medicaid, and social determinants of health.
Article: AAIDD Honors CQL’s Carli Friedman, PhD, With The 2022 Research Award
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks to Andrew Leland about his book "The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight"
Highlights:
- “What is Blindness?” - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Andrew Leland, Author of “The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight” (01:14)
- About H.G. Wells’ “The Country of the Blind” Short Story (01:57)
- Memoir Writing Process (04:12)
- Curiosity in Exploring Vision Loss (06:30)
- Balancing Intellectualizing Blindness & the Emotional Reality of Blind People (09:30)
- Deciding Where to Draw the Line (12:16)
- Blindness & the Male Gaze (15:05)
- Culture of Blindness (17:38)
- Surprises, Revelations & Conclusions (20:57)
- Lingering Questions & Tensions (23:31)
- Show Close (26:02)
Guest Bio:
Andrew Leland’s writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, McSweeney’s Quarterly, and The San Francisco Chronicle, among other outlets. From 2013-2019, he hosted and produced The Organist, an arts and culture podcast, for KCRW; he has also produced pieces for Radiolab and 99 Percent Invisible. He has been an editor at The Believer since 2003. He lives in western Massachusetts with his wife and son.
About The Country of the Blind
Named one of the best books of the year by: THE NEW YORKER • THE WASHINGTON POST • THE ATLANTIC • NPR • PUBLISHERS WEEKLY • LITHUB
A witty, winning, and revelatory personal narrative of the author’s transition from sightedness to blindness and his quest to learn about blindness as a rich culture all its own
“After reading Andrew Leland’s memoir, The Country of the Blind, you will look at the English language differently . . . Leland rigorously explores the disability’s most troubling corners . . . A wonderful cross-disciplinary wander.” —The New York Times Book Review
We meet Andrew Leland as he’s suspended in the liminal state of the soon-to-be blind: he’s midway through his life with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that ushers those who live with it from sightedness to blindness over years, even decades. He grew up with full vision, but starting in his teenage years, his sight began to degrade from the outside in, such that he now sees the world as if through a narrow tube. Soon—but without knowing exactly when—he will likely have no vision left.
Full of apprehension but also dogged curiosity, Leland embarks on a sweeping exploration of the state of being that awaits him: not only the physical experience of blindness but also its language, politics, and customs. He negotiates his changing relationships with his wife and son, and with his own sense of self, as he moves from his mainstream, “typical” life to one with a disability. Part memoir, part historical and cultural investigation, The Country of the Blind represents Leland’s determination not to merely survive this transition but to grow from it—to seek out and revel in that which makes blindness enlightening.
Thought-provoking and brimming with warmth and humor, The Country of the Blind is a deeply personal and intellectually exhilarating tour of a way of being that most of us have never paused to consider—and from which we have much to learn.
Related Links:
NPR Article - As a writer slowly loses his sight, he embraces other kinds of perception
Blindness isn't a tragic binary — it's a rich spectrum (Ted Talk, July 2023)
Andrew Leland Website: https://www.andrewleland.org/
The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight (Wikipedia)
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita discusses emergency preparedness for people with disabilities with Kaitlynne Lowe, Policy Researcher at MacEachen Institute for Public Policy at Dalhousie University.
From Emergency Supply Kits and Vulnerable Person’s Registries to accessibility barriers in transportation and housing, people with disabilities are often especially vulnerable during a crisis, disaster, or emergency.
Highlights:
- “Vulnerable in an Emergency Situation” - Opening Clip (00:00)
- Disability & Emergency Preparedness - Opening Remarks (00:34)
- Introducing Kaitlynne Lowe (01:47)
- Public Safety for People with Disabilities (02:15)
- Emergency Response Capacity Across Canada (03:17)
- How are People with Disabilities Vulnerable During a Crisis? (05:41)
- Effective Communication During an Emergency (07:36)
- Accounting for Local Nuance in Emergency Planning (09:46)
- Accessibility Barriers in Transportation & Housing (12:30)
- Vulnerable Person’s Registry (16:23)
- Emergency Supply Kits (19:25)
- Rethinking What Constitutes an “Emergency” (22:49)
- The State of Emergency Preparedness for Canadians with Disabilities (24:57)
- Show Close (27:27)
Guest Bio:
Kaitlynne Lowe is a Policy Researcher at the MacEachen Institute for Public Policy at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Kaitlynne is a Dalhousie MPA graduate, hopeful life-changer, book lover, theatre-goer, adventurer, and cat mom.
Follow Kaitlynne Lowe on X/Twitter: @KatieALowe
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
In the third of three episodes on Accessible Fashion, Joeita speaks to Alexa Jonovavic, founder of Aille Design, a brand featuring clothing with Braille beadwork. Alexa dives into her collaborative process with members of the blind and partially sighted community. Plus, a fascinating exploration of the relationship blind women have with colour.
Highlights:
- “So Much More Than Clothing” - Opening Clip (00:00)
- “Accessible Fashion as a Social Good” - Opening Remarks (00:28)
- Introducing Alexa Jovanovic of Aille Design (01:40)
- Discovering Love of Fashion & Design (02:36)
- Functionality Versus Aesthetics (04:00)
- Caring for Braille Beadwork Clothing (6:06)
- Learning & Writing Braille (7:27)
- Impact of Braille Beadwork Messages (9:12)
- Establishing Your Fashion Brand (11:18)
- Why Beads for Braille? (13:25)
- Formal and Professional Beaded Attire (15:02)
- Custom & Bespoke Braille Beadwork (19:54)
- Relationship Between Colour & Blindness (21:25)
- Influencing the Broader Industry (24:12)
- Personal Journey Through Accessible Fashion Work (26:11)
- Show Close (29:51)
Aille Design on AMI-tv’s Fashion Dis
Guest Bio:
Now known as "The Braille Fashion Designer," Alexa Jovanovic first began creating Braille fashion as a research project in university where she was taught the importance of disrupting fashion industry norms through innovative design thinking and the co-design process.
Alexa built strong relationships with local blind and partially sighted individuals and together they discussed everything from shopping, clothing trends, and closet organization, to society’s misconceptions of what it means to “look and feel” blind.
About Aille Design - https://ailledesign.com/
Our brand name comes from the French verb Aller which means "to go" or "to move forward". We believe inclusivity is the direction the fashion industry needs to move forward in and we're ready to help lead the change!
The pronunciation of our name alludes to the personal "I" since our products help to empower and increase independence, as well as the physical "eye" since braille provides a source of vision and understanding.
Did you know? The two dots in our logo are the braille character for the letter "i". It represents the importance of braille while helping you remember the pronunciation of Aille.
We make clothing and accessories with fully legible braille that are designed alongside the blind and visually impaired community.
Use the braille to describe the physical garment, choose one of our value based phrases, or customize the braille to say anything you want! The tactile braille beadwork is the focal point of each design. It generates conversation about accessibility and inclusion and makes for an incredibly unique gift. 5% of all t-shirt sales are donated to organizations for the visually impaired.
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
In the second of three episodes on Accessible Fashion, Joeita speaks to Wendy Wong, founder of June Adaptive on her creative choice and journey. Wendy discusses the practicalities of getting her business off the ground, including obtaining feedback from People with Disabilities.
Highlights:
- “Adaptive Clothing for People of All Abilities” – Opening Clip (00:00)
- “You Are What You Wear” - Opening Remarks (04:46)
- Introducing Wendy Wong, Creator of June Adaptive (01:52)
- Inspiration from Aunt June (02:55)
- All About Aunt June (04:43)
- Challenges in Catering to a Niche Community (05:25)
- Making JuneAdaptive.com Accessible (06:57)
- Adapted Clothing Designs: Zipper Sneakers (08:09)
- Grip Socks (08:59)
- Magnetic Button-Down Shirt (10:25)
- Open-Back Tops (11:48)
- Denim Jeans with toggles, loops, thigh pockets, velcro ankle-openings (12:58)
- Process of Creating Adapted Clothing (14:54)
- Ensuring Quality (15:42)
- Collaborating with Suppliers (16:30)
- Evolution of Adaptive Fashion (17:53)
- Universal Design in Clothing (19:19)
- Affordable & Accessible Fashion (21:02)
- Wardrobe Essentials (23:46)
- Adaptive Fashion Goals (25:03)
- Show Close (26:02)
About June Adaptive:
From people frustrated by inaccessible buttons and zippers to people recovering from medical treatments, people living with mobility challenges or disabilities can find fashion solutions at June Adaptive.
We found pieces that helped people in our lives and we hope we can help you too.
“The Start of June Adaptive”
June was more than just a “cool” aunt to our founder Wendy; she was a sister, friend, and a hard-working medical professional who adored her cocker spaniel. Following an accident later in life, June had lost mobility in her arms and legs.
With a fashion background, Wendy wanted to help June maintain her independence and dignity by finding clothing that was beautiful yet functional. To Wendy's surprise, it was nearly impossible to find adaptive pieces that fit into June’s new everyday life.
As life went on, Wendy had found that additional family members had developed mobility challenges, sharing related issues in finding accessible fashion.
After discovering the adaptive fashion space, Wendy wanted to bring back the joy of fashion to people experiencing similar struggles. June Adaptive was created out of an inspiration to provide an inclusive shopping experience for different levels of ability.
Our goal is to create a universally designed experience for more people to shop. We want to make adaptive fashion more accessible because everyone should be able to look good.
Links
Toronto Star - These adaptive fashion designers are making personal style more accessible -
Fashion Magazine - Adaptive Fashion Brands You Should Know About
Seneca Journalism -Making Fashion Fit for Everyone
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto.
A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on Twitter: @JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/recent_ep...
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
In the first of three episodes on Accessible Fashion, Joeita speaks to Izzy Camilleri, the founder of IZ Adaptive, a clothing brand that provides accessible fashions for people with disabilities.
We discuss her foray into inclusive fashion and design at a time when no one was talking about it. She discusses how her desire to create clothes that are functional, as well as beautiful, changed the course of her life while conferring dignity to people with disabilities.
Highlights:
- Opening Clip – Izzy on Adaptive Clothing (00:00)
- Opening Remarks – Accessible Fashion as Function (00:39)
- Accessible Fashion Series Overview (01:42)
- Introducing Izzy Camilleri & IZ Adaptive (03:32)
- A Life-Changing Phone Call (04:11)
- Initial Challenges Designing Clothes for a Wheelchair User (06:30)
- Designing for People Who Need Help Dressing and Those Who Dress Themselves Independently (08:19)
- Disability Inclusive Features of Adapted Clothing (09:58)
- Inspiration for Getting into Fashion Design (11:11)
- Reaction of Colleagues to Izzy’s Shift into Adapted Clothing (11:46)
- The Business Side of Adaptive Clothing (13:58)
- Consulting with Large Labels on Accessible Design (14:58)
- Toronto as Accessible Fashion Hotbed (16:11)
- Creativity in Adaptive Clothing (17:01)
- Wardrobe Essentials (18:53)
- Feedback on IZ Adaptive (19:40)
- What’s Next for IZ Adaptive? (21:44)
- Show Close (22:38)
Guest Bio:
Izzy Camilleri is one of Canada’s leading and most celebrated fashion designers, and a pioneer in adaptive clothing. Izzy first ventured into the world of accessible clothing after initially doing custom work for a wheelchair user in 2004. It opened her eyes to the huge necessity for this type of clothing in the world.
In 2022, Izzy received 2 awards for her adaptive line. She won the Innovation Award from the Women’s Empowerment Awards and the Fashion Impact Award from the CAFA Awards. In 2006, she received CAFA’s Womenswear Designer of the Year Award. Her adaptive line has been featured in the Royal Ontario Museum. For more than 39 years, she has designed custom clothing for an international clientele, crafted gorgeous collections featured in fashion magazines from Vogue to InStyle, and dressed celebrities like Daniel Radcliffe, Mark Wahlberg, Meryl Streep, Angelina Jolie and David Bowie. Since 2009, Izzy has focused on inclusive fashion through her brand IZ Adaptive, with the mission to make great looking and well-fitting clothes accessible to everyone. To learn more about Izzy, visit www.izzycamilleri.com.
See more of Izzy Camilleri on AMI-tv’s Fashion Dis!
Each episode of Fashion Dis celebrates the head-to-toe overhaul of a frustrated style seeker discouraged by an industry that lacks adaptive options.
The Story of IZ Adaptive
IZ Adaptive was launched in 2009 after fashion designer Izzy Camilleri spent a few years creating custom clothing for a client who was a wheelchair user living with paralysis. This experience opened her eyes to the clothing challenges and limitations people face while living with a physical disability.
After years of creating these first custom pieces, Izzy realized that if her client had all these obstacles around clothing, there must be many others with the same issues. Izzy decided to hold a focus group meeting where other voices were heard around the challenges, likes and dislikes around everyday clothing while living with a physical disability. With listening and learning, the seeds of creating a line of adaptive clothing were being planted. After doing online research of the market, she saw that there was very little out there designed specifically for this demographic of people. Most of what was available was for the elderly or for people living in long term care facilities. Clothing that was very dated in both design and fabric choice. Seeing this huge void in the market, Izzy saw this as an opportunity to create a line of clothes for people living with a disability, starting with modern wardrobe basics. In June of 2009 IZ Adaptive was born.
Izzy Camilleri was hailed a trail blazer pioneering the category of adaptive clothing in the form of fashionable, functional pieces. Her new and innovative work was called revolutionary. The path since that time has been long and hard, but Izzy kept it on life support, knowing the importance of what she was creating and how many lives IZ Adaptive positively affected.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Izzy also created the first ‘Seamless Back Pant’ which helps to reduce the risk of life threatening pressure sores. This patented technology is the most important work Izzy has done throughout her long career. These pants have become an important staple in many of IZ Adaptives customer’s wardrobes.
Today, Izzy is seen as the Thought Leader in this space. IZ Adaptive has a global reach with its online store. Major media outlets have featured IZ, and museums have also displayed this work. Universities and colleges reach out as well to learn about this new and exciting category of clothing for their studies.
IZ Adaptive continues to push boundaries, lead in innovation and is looking to the future with plans of big growth.
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
This week, Joeita speaks to Jacqueline Alnes, author of The Fruit Cure: the Story of Extreme Wellness Turned Sour - "an unforgettable deep dive into the world of fruitarianism".
Highlights:
- Excerpt from “The Fruit Cure” by Jacqueline Alnes (00:00)
- Opening Remarks “Disability & Wellness Culture” (00:43)
- Jacqueline Alnes Introduction (01:58)
- About her book “the Fruit Cure” (02:24)
- Combining an Autobiography with a History of Wellness Movements (03:22)
- Jacqueline’s Experience with the Medical Establishment (05:35)
- The Rise of Wellness Influencers (08:30)
- Racist & Puritanical Origins of Thinness (11:04)
- Desperate Need for Cures & Answers (13:25)
- Difference Between Cures & Healing (16:14)
- Are Social Media Platforms Responsible for Wellness Misinformation? (18:09)
- Navigating Contradictory Wellness Trends (21:00)
- Jacqueline Reads from “the Fruit Cure” (24:38)
- Where to find “the Fruit Cure” (26:18)
- Show Close (27:10)
Guest Bio:
Jacqueline Alnes has published essays in The New York Times, Guernica, The Boston Globe, Women's Running, Iron Horse Literary Review, and elsewhere, and her interviews with writers can be found in Longreads, The Rumpus, and, more regularly, Electric Literature, where she serves as a contributing writer. A series of her paintings featuring inspiring athletes was featured on NBC during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and in Runner's World. Currently an Assistant Professor of English at West Chester University, Alnes earned her MFA from Portland State University and her PhD from Oklahoma State University.
Alnes's first book, The Fruit Cure: The Story of Extreme Wellness Turned Sour details how mysterious neurological symptoms derailed her career as a Division I runner and left her desperate for answers. She found hope in an unlikely place: a thriving, online community of fruit-eaters. In The Fruit Cure, Jacqueline Alnes takes readers on a spellbinding and unforgettable journey through the world of fruitarianism, interweaving her own powerful narrative with the popularity and problematic history of fruit-based, raw food lifestyles.
About The Fruit Cure
“A deeply compelling read … Spellbinding ….” – BookPage
“Her journey from desperation to self-acceptance is moving and well rendered. In the crowded medical memoir field, this stands out.” — Publishers Weekly
A powerful critique of the failures in our healthcare system and an inquiry into the sinister strains of wellness culture that prey on people’s vulnerabilities through schemes, scams, and diets.
Jacqueline Alnes was a Division One runner during her freshman year of college, but her season was cut short by a series of inexplicable neurological symptoms. What started with a cough, escalated to Alnes collapsing on the track and experiencing months of unremembered episodes that stole her ability to walk and speak.
Two years after quitting the team to heal, Alnes’s symptoms returned with a severity that left her using a wheelchair for a period of months. She was admitted to an epilepsy center but doctors could not figure out the root cause of her symptoms. Desperate for answers, she turned to an online community centered around a strict, all-fruit diet which its adherents claimed could cure conditions like depression, eating disorders, addiction, anxiety, and vision problems. Alnes wasn’t alone. From all over the world, people in pain, doubted or dismissed by medical authorities, or seeking a miracle diet that would relieve them of white, Western expectations placed on their figures, turned to fruit in hopes of releasing themselves from the perceived failings of their bodies.
In The Fruit Cure, Jacqueline Alnes takes readers on a spellbinding and unforgettable journey through the world of fruitarianism, interweaving her own powerful narrative with the popularity and problematic history of fruit-based, raw food lifestyles. For readers plagued by mysterious symptoms, inundated by messages from media about how to attain “the perfect body,” or caught in the grips of a fast-paced culture of capitalism, The Fruit Cure offers a powerful critique of the failures of our healthcare system and an inquiry into the sinister strains of wellness culture that prey on people’s vulnerabilities through schemes, scams, and diets masquerading as hope.
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on Twitter: @JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/recent_episodes
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
We continue our annual Christmas story tradition with O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi, read by Andy Lehrer.
"The Gift of the Magi" is a short story by O. Henry first published in the New York Sunday World on December 10, 1905.
Highlights:
- “Holiday Tradition” - Opening Remarks (00:00)
- Introducing Andy Lehrer (01:02)
- About “Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry (02:19)
- “Gift of the Magi” read by Andy Lehrer (3:48)
- Remarks on “Gift of the Magi” & Gift Giving (15:02)
- Sacrifice, Stress and Showing Appreciation (16:36)
- Most Memorable Gifts (21:59)
- Show Close (23:58)
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on Twitter: @JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/recent_episodes
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks with Ashley Nemeth about her journey as a blind parent raising three children.
Guest Bio:
Ashley Nemeth is vocal advocate breaking down barriers for people with disabilities. Ashley identifies as a deafblind woman sharing her story, educating and changing opinions on the importance of accessibility for all.
Highlights:
- “How Can You Manage?” - Opening Remarks on Parenting (00:00)
- Introducing Ashley Nemeth (01:13)
- How Did it Feel to Discover You Were About to Become a Mother? (02:45)
- Worries About Becoming a Blind Parent? (3:19)
- Public Perception of Blind Parents (4:35)
- Reaction of Medical Professionals (6:33)
- Scrutiny from Social Workers & Family Support (7:57)
- Educating the “Professionals” (9:21)
- Relevance of Mainstream Parenting Books & Resources? (10:48)
- Help with Managing a Newborn? (11:55)
- Surviving the Early Years as a Blind Parent (13:03)
- Squeaker Sneakers and Other Parenting Tips (13:51)
- Accessibility Issues in Being Involved with Kids’ Education (17:00)
- Congenital Conditions, Parenthood & Disability Discrimination (18:30)
- The Joys & Challenges of Parenting Teenagers (21:56)
- Benefits of Growing Up with a Mother Who is Blind (24:40)
- “Take the Blindness Out of It” - Advice People Who Are Blind or Partially-Sighted and Considering Parenthood (25.58)
- Show Close (26:59)
More about Ashley:
How Blogging Turned Ashley Nemeth into an Entrepreneur
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks with Rod Michalko about his book "Letters with Smokie" discussing blindness and what it can reveal about the relationship between humans and animals.
About “Letters with Smokie”
From University of Manitoba Press:
Leave it to a dog to put the “human” back in “humanities”
In September 2020, Rod Michalko wrote to friend and colleague Dan Goodley, congratulating him on the release of his latest book, Disability and Other Human Questions. Joking that his late guide dog, Smokie, had taken offense to the suggestion that disability was purely a human question, Michalko shared a few thoughts on behalf of his dog. When Goodley wrote back—to Smokie—so began an epistolic exchange that would continue for the next seven months.
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world and the realities of lockdown-imposed isolation set in, the Smokie letters provided the friends a space in which to come together in a lively exploration of human-animal relationships and to interrogate disability as disruption, disturbance, and art. Just as he did in life, Smokie guides. In these pages, he offers wisdom about the world, love, friendship, and even The Beatles. His canine observations of human experience provide an avenue into some of the ways blindness might be reconceptualized and “befriended.”
Uninhibited by the trappings of traditional academic inquiry, Michalko and Goodley are unleashed, free to wander, to wonder, and to provoke within the bonds of trust and respect. Funny and thoughtful, the result is a refreshing exploration and re-evaluation of learned cultural misunderstandings of disability.
Highlights:
- Opening Remarks on Guide Dogs (00:00)
- Introducing Rod Michalko (01:03)
- Who is Smokie and Why is Smokie Writing Letters? (01:38)
- How Did this Correspondence Between Friends Evolve into a Book? (03:00)
- Was it Challenging to Adopt Smokie’s Perspective? (04:06)
- How Can Animals Deepen Our Understanding of Blindness and Disability? (05:06)
- Moving Towards a Different Concept of Blindness (07:17)
- First Day Out with a Guide Dog (08:55)
- Appreciating the Blurriness of Life (10:37)
- Guide Dogs as Experts on Blindness (12:58)
- Shifting One’s Vantage Point (14:50)
- Rethinking Human-Animal Relationships (16:48)
- How Does Journeying with a Guide Dog Change Your Perspective on the Design of Physical Spaces? (18:51)
- Disability and Disrupting Normalcy? (21:07)
- Why is the Theme of Community So Important? (23:11)
- The Personal Impact of Revisiting Guide Dog Relationship (24:53)
- More Letters with Smokie? (26:47)
- Show Close (27:32)
Guest Bio:
Rod Michalko is a retired professor from the University of Toronto where he taught disability studies. His current writing, both fiction and non-fiction, stems from his experience of blindness.
“Letters with Smokie” was co-written by Dan Goodley, Professor of Disability Studies and Education at the University of Sheffield. His Previous books include Disability and Other Human Questions (Emerald, 2020) and Disability Studies (second edition, Sage, 2016).
Links
Learn more about “Letters with Smokie” on AMI Audiobook Review
"Letters with Smokie" Website
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on Twitter: @JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/recent_ep...
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Dr Ann Leahy, a PhD graduate of Maynooth University Sociology Department, recently published her new book Disability & Ageing: Towards a Critical Perspective.
This book challenges assumptions about impairment in later life and the residual nature of the ‘fourth age’. It proposes that the experience of ‘disability’ in older age reaches beyond the bodily context and can involve not only a challenge to a sense of value and meaning in life, but also ongoing efforts in response.
Highlights:
- Introduction (00:00)
- Opening Remarks “Ageing Parents” (01:12)
- Introducing Ann Leahy (02:27)
- Linkages Between Disability & Ageing (03:01)
- Importance of Self-Identifying as Disabled (04:24)
- “Disability Identity in Older Age” Study (05:28)
- Difficulties in Defining Disability (06:58)
- Key Findings from Research Interviews (09:15)
- Divisions Between “Old Age” and “Disability” Services (11:40)
- Ageing Out of Public Services and Programs (13:17)
- Problem of Medical Model of Disability Being Pervasive Amongst Older Adults (17:15)
- Disability Stigma (19:22)
- Younger Adults with Disabilities Living in Nursing Homes (21:40)
- Alternatives to Nursing Homes & Institutionalization (25:22)
- Show Close (27:25)
Guest Bio:
Ann Leahy joined the ERC Consolidator funded project, DANCING (Protecting the Right to Culture of Persons with Disabilities and Enhancing Cultural Diversity through European Union Law: Exploring New Paths), in September 2020. Her main focus is qualitative research on cultural participation by people with disabilities. She has an MA in Social Justice and Public Policy (first class honours) and a PhD in Sociology. Her PhD was an interdisciplinary qualitative study that examined the intersection between disability and ageing, engaging with literature across both areas.
Her academic awards include a John and Pat Hume Scholarship (2013) from Maynooth University and an Irish Research Council Employment-based PhD Scholarship (2014). In 2019 she was awarded a Government of Ireland, Irish Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship to disseminate the findings of her PhD thesis.
Ann also has a background in law. Early in her career, she qualified as a Solicitor and worked for some years in commercial law with McCann FitzGerald, solicitors. She subsequently changed direction, working for nearly two decades in the NGO voluntary sector. She was Assistant CEO of Age & Opportunity for over a decade with responsibility for policy and public affairs, as well as for the organisation’s work on arts and culture.
In addition to disability and ageing, her areas of research include equality, poverty and healthcare, and she has completed a body of research and policy analysis on these issues for Social Justice Ireland. She has also extensive experience of public-policy processes across a variety of areas and has served on several policy and advocacy committees.
Reference:
Follow Ann Leahy on X / Twitter: @ALeahyResearch
About Ann’s Book
“Disability Identity in Older Age: Exploring Social Processes That Influence Disability Identification With Aging” from Disability Studies Quarterly
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks about "Affective Ablenationalism" with Anastasia Todd from the University of Kentucky.
SUMMARY
An in-depth conversation about disability and ablenationalism, exploring how disabled individuals are often coded as able-bodied in the imagined community of the nation.
Using the story of Trevor Maroshek, a former Navy SEAL, and his service dog, Chopper as a case study, we examine the concept of service dogs as a technology of rehabilitation, allowing disabled individuals to fit into the able-bodied norm and the white American nuclear family, the veneration of Chopper as a national hero and the role of military dogs in securing the nation state. Looking at the real-world implications such as confusion about the rights of people with service dogs and the discrimination they face.
Guest Bio:
Anastasia Todd is an Assistant Professor of Gender and Women's Studies at the University of Kentucky. Broadly, her research investigates the intersections of disability and girlhood from a feminist disability studies perspective. Her forthcoming book, Cripping Girlhood (winner of the 2022 Tobin Siebers Prize for Disability Studies in the Humanities), is interested in what happens and what it means when certain disabled girl subjects gain cultural recognition and visibility as “American girls, too,” to use the words of Melissa Shang, who in 2014 created a viral Change.org petition imploring American Girl to create a disabled doll of the year. The book explores the promise and peril of this newfound cultural visibility for select disabled girls. In examining representations and self-representations of disabled girls and girlhoods across the mediascape at the beginning of the twenty-first century, spanning HBO documentaries to TikTok, Cripping Girlhood uncovers the variegated ways the figure of the disabled girl is imbued with meaning and mobilized as a spectacular representational symbol. Cripping Girlhood also explores how disabled girls, more than symbolic figures to be used in others’ narratives, circulate their own capacious re-envisioning of what it means to be a disabled girl. The book uncovers the cultural and political work that disabled girls’ self-representational practices perform, from cultivating disability community through generating intimacy online, to affirming the value of care labor and interdependence across the species barrier.
Highlights:
- Show Open (00:00)
- Introducing Anastasia Todd (01:59)
- What is Ablenationalism? (02:27)
- History of Reliance on Service Dogs (07:00)
- Technology of Rehabilitation (08:36)
- How does the story of Chopper Perpetuate the Nation State? (10:53)
- The State of Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing (16:40)
- Reciprocity in Service Dog Relationships (19:23)
- Service Dogs as Saviors (23:10)
- Show Close (28:13)
Links:
Pre-order Cripping Girlhood (University of Michigan Press, 2024)
Her new research project, in collaboration with Heather Switzer (WGS, Arizona State University) explores the intersection of invisible disability and young womanhood through creating and analyzing an archive of invisible disability narratives. As a cripistemological intervention, the project seeks to expand disability studies by taking seriously bodyminds that experience ableism yet have an uneasy and tenuous relationship with disability as it has been conventionally defined—that is, as physical, unchanging, and visible.
Anastasia Todd. 2023. “Cripping Visibility: Re-presenting Disabled Girls and Girlhoods.” NEOS. 15(1).
Anastasia Todd. 2023. “Affective Ablenationalisms and Interspecies Entanglements.” Disability Studies Quarterly. 42(3).
About The Pulse:
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on Twitter: @JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/recent_episodes
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Joeita speaks to Paralympic Cross-Country Skiier and gold medalist Natalie Wilkie. This is the third of a three part series profiling the 2023 inductees to the Canada Disability Hall of Fame.
Synopsis
This episode of The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta and guest, King Clancy Award winner and Paralympic cross-country skier, Natalie Wilkie discuss parasport and determination, highlighting the achievements of Paralympic athletes. The perception of people with disabilities as objects of pity has been shattered by the competitiveness and sportsmanship displayed in Paralympic games. Despite facing a life-altering accident, Wilkie returned to skiing just two weeks later and went on to win gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 2018 Paralympic Games. The interview explores Wilkie's journey, including her introduction to the parasport and the challenges and strategies involved in cross-country skiing. Additionally, Wilkie shares her passion for painting, photography, and training horses.
Episode Highlights:
- What It Means to Be The Recipient of the King Clancy Award (2:50)
- How Natalie Got Her Start in Cross Country Skiing (3:46)
- Participating in the Paralympic Games (8:39)
- The Differences Between Para-Cross-Country Skiing & Able-Bodied Skiing (9:40)
- The Draw of Competition (12:18)
- Achieving Positive Work-Life Balance (14:03)
- The Impact of Natalie's Legacy on People with Disabilities (20:17)
- Life Aspirations Going Forward (22:24)
About
Natalie Wilkie burst onto the international scene at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. At age 17, she was the youngest member of the Canadian team. In South Korea, Wilkie prevailed over her more experienced rivals to take a much-celebrated gold in the women’s middle distance standing. She followed that up with bronze in the sprint and silver in the mixed relay. As a result, she received the Canadian Paralympic Sport Award for Best Paralympic Debut by a Female Athlete. Wilkie lost four fingers on her left hand in an accident during woodwork class at school in 2016.
Team Canada Profile Link
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on Twitter: @JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/recent_episodes
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Synopsis
This episode of The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta is joined by Canada Disability Hall of Fame Inductee, Michelle Stilwell. Together they discuss the intersection of sports, politics, and disability. The role of sports in social inclusion for people with disabilities is highlighted. Michelle also discusses her transition to wheelchair racing and her involvement in politics as a member of the Legislative Assembly in British Columbia. She emphasizes the importance of representation and policy influence for people with disabilities. The interview concludes with a discussion on the need for increased employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Link:
https://paralympic.ca/team-canada/michelle-stilwell
Episode Highlights:
Introducing Canada Disability Hall of Fame Inductee, Michelle Stilwell (1:57)
Significance of Being Inducted to the Canada Disability Hall of Fame (2:56)
Getting Started in Wheelchair Basketball (4:00)
Representing Canada Internationally (6:40)
Medals in Other Sports (9:19)
Training for Wheelchair Racing (10:46)
Financial Barriers to Parasport (12:10)
Career Highlights (13:07)
How Can Sport Prepare you for Politics? (17:02)
Proudest Accomplishments in the Legislature (18:10)
Another Run for Office? (21:12)
Feelings on Evolution of Disability Rights and Inclusion in Canada (21:50)
Hopes for Disability Inclusion in the Future (24:40)
Advice for Others Facing Significant Injuries (25:56)
About Michelle Stilwell
Michelle Stilwell is the only Canadian woman to win gold medals in two sports at the Paralympic Games. She and the Canadian team won gold in women’s wheelchair basketball at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney. Stilwell also won gold in women’s wheelchair racing at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games. From 2006 to 2016, she was the fastest wheelchair racer in the world in the T52-class; she currently holds world records in the women’s 100 m and 200 m. She also served as a BC MLA for Parksville-Qualicum from 2013 to 2020.
Reference:
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/michelle-stilwell
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Synopsis
On this episode of The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta sits down with renowned wheelchair basketball player and inductee to the Canada Disability Hall of Fame, Chantal Benoit. Together, they discuss the Paralympic Games and the impact of parasport in challenging misperceptions about people with disabilities. It highlights the achievements of para-athletes and their advocacy for disability rights.. Benoit shares her experiences in the sport and the evolution of support for parasport in Canada. She emphasizes the importance of creating a strong foundation at the grassroots level and the need for continued growth and opportunities. The episode concludes with a reflection on the transformative power of sports in breaking down barriers and changing societal perspectives.
Link to Chantal Benoit:
https://www.wheelchairbasketball.ca/players/chantal-benoit/
Episode Highlights:
Chantal’s Upcoming Induction into Canada’s Disability Hall of Fame. (3:10)
Differences Between Coaching Able-Bodied & Wheelchair Basketball? (6:42)
Training for an International Competition (8:25)
How has the Support for Parasport Evolved Over the Last 30 Years? (10:12)
Getting Started in Wheelchair Basketball (12:23)
Chantal’s Career Highlight (15:06)
Advice for Young People Interested in Parasports (17:28)
Chantal’s Legacy and Impact Beyond the Sporting World? (19:02)
The Michael Jordan of Women’s Basketball? (22:45)
About Chantal Benoit
Chantal Benoit is an icon of women’s wheelchair basketball. A member of Team Canada for 27 years, she has won three Paralympic gold medals and four world championship titles. Often called the “Michael Jordan” of her sport, she is considered the greatest woman to have ever played the game. A role model for many athletes, she inspires her teammates, opponents, and the next generation of female players to excel. Off the court, she is a tireless advocate for inclusive sport.
Reference: https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-16515
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Synopsis:
On this episode of The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta and her guest, Max Brault, Vice President of People in Change Accessibility Consulting at BDO Canada, discuss the organization's initiatives to promote accessibility and workplace inclusion, disability and workplace inclusion, focusing on the need for employers to examine their structures, practices, policies, and processes to root out ableism. The episode highlights the high unemployment and underemployment rates faced by people with disabilities in Canada, with the employment rate for adults with disabilities lagging behind the general population. BDO’s initiatives include developing an auditing tool to assess organizations' disability inclusion efforts and conducting research on the federal government's procurement process to ensure accessibility. Here, Max emphasizes the importance of engaging the disability community and addressing fears and misconceptions surrounding hiring individuals with disabilities.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction (0:00)
Mission & Mandate of BDO Canada (2:57)
Workplace inclusion and addressing unemployment and underemployment faced by people with disabilities. (4:02)
The fear people with disabilities have in terms of dealing with the employment process. (6:44)
Which nonprofit organizations has BDO chosen to work with and how were they chosen? (7:53)
BDO’s partnership with the Institute for Research and Development on Inclusion in Society to develop an accessibility audit. (9:45)
A description of the auditing process. (12:10)
What aspects of an employer’s processes or practices or structures will be taken into account for this auditing tool. (13:37)
Will this auditing tool be versatile enough to be used for both small- and large-scale employers? 16:21
What is BDO’s plan for developing this audit engagement tool? (17:36)
When will this audit tool be ready? (18:06)
Max’s project in collaboration with the CNIB about the federal procurement process. (18:20)
Where does the CNIB come into this research? (20:32)
When looking at the federal procurement process, what are some of the considerations from an accessibility point of view that need to be considered? (22:47)
What precisely will the research look at? (24:17)
What is a KPI? (25:38)
When will this research be complete? (25:57)
What do you think the most immediate impact of the research on procurement is likely to be? (26:26)
Conclusion (27:06)
About Max Brault:
Max accepted a leadership role with BDO Canada, guiding consulting projects focused on accessibility issues. Previously, Max guided the federal government toward historic legislation for persons with disabilities, the Accessible Canada Act. Unafraid to challenge convention to make positive change for the disability community, as a vice president with BDO Consulting (Strategy & Operations), Max aims to identify accessibility issues for corporations, governments, and non-governmental agencies, and to provide strategic solutions to address them.
Reference: https://www.bdo.ca/our-people/max-brault
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Synopsis
On this episode of the Pulse, Joeita and her guest Angela Harris, discuss the intersection of disability and fashion. Joeita shares her personal experience of how fashion has allowed her to take control of the narrative surrounding her blindness. Angela Harris, the founder of the IMperfeKtly Made Foundation, discusses her motivation for starting the organization and her upcoming fashion show celebrating disability pride. She talks about the challenges and considerations involved in organizing the fashion show, such as finding a venue, selecting designers, and making modifications to the clothing for comfort and ease of use. Angela also mentions the importance of sponsorship and the business side of organizing such an event. They also discuss Angela's upcoming book, "Life As I See It," which chronicles her journey from meeting her husband to losing her vision.
Link to Angela Harris: https://www.imperfektlymade.com
Episode Highlights:
How the IMperfeKtly Made Foundation Started (2:05)
Reactions to the Disability Pride Fashion Show (7:59)
Why Were Models Nervous to be in this Fashion Show? (8:24)
Accommodating Blind and Low Vision Models in the Fashion Show (10:10)
Modifying Clothes for People who are Blind or Low Vision (15:36)
Advice for Young Blind and Low Vision Women Wanting to Establish their Fashion Sense (23:06)
Angela’s Upcoming Book “Life As I See It” (23:53)
About Angela Harris:
In 2019, just five months after getting married, Angela started experiencing severe headaches and blurred vision. Alarmed by these symptoms, she went to the doctor, where she underwent a series of tests. The results were devastating. Angela had a tumor in her brain that needed immediate surgical intervention. The surgery was risky, but they remained hopeful and trusted the skilled medical team. Finally, the day of the operation arrived. Angela bid a tearful farewell to her husband, not knowing if she would ever see his face again. The surgery was a success, and the tumor was partially removed. However, the cost was incredibly high. Angela awoke from the procedure to find she had completely lost her vision. The world she had once known was now a dark, unfamiliar place. She felt a mix of emotions—fear, anger, and sadness engulfed her. But Angela was not one to be trounced. She had always been a fighter, and losing her sight only ignited a new flame within her. As she adjusted to her new reality, she discovered a newfound empathy for those who had been visually impaired all their lives. She yearned to support and give them hope and resources to navigate the challenges she now faces.
Her journey inspired Angela to create a non-profit organization supporting the visually impaired; she is finalizing her mini-memoir sharing her journey and has a patent pending on an invention that will assist visually impaired individuals when identifying apparel and accessories.
Reference: https://www.imperfektlymade.com/about
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Synopsis:
On this episode of the Pulse, Joeita and her guest Ashley Shew discuss the concept of Techno-Ableism, which refers to the idea that technology is often seen as the solution for disability. They explore how disabled individuals are often pressured to use the latest technology and are criticized for choosing alternative options. The conversation also touches on the importance of including disabled individuals in the design and development of technology, as well as the limitations and failures of certain technologies. They emphasize the need for a shift in the narrative around disability and technology, allowing disabled individuals to take control of their own stories and challenge the able savior narrative.
Link to Ashley Shew:
https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/department-of-science-technology-and-society/faculty/ashley-shew.html
Episode Highlights:
- What is Techno-Ableism? (1:55)
- When is "Lower-tech" best? (7:09)
- Is there a difference between tech designed for people with disabilities vs. mainstream tech that people with disabilities adopt? (10:25)
- Are we spending enough time discussing the reality of using tech? (13:33)
- How can people with disabilities challenge the "Able-Savior" narrative? (16:59)
- The high cost of tech (22:18)
- Excerpt from Ashley Shew’s book “Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement”. (24:17)
About Ashley Shew:
Ashley Shew is an associate professor of science, technology, and society at Virginia Tech and specializes in disability studies and technology ethics. With support from the Mellon Foundation, she is developing a Disability Community Technology (DisCoTec) Center in collaboration with UNC-Charlotte and Virginia Tech. Her previous books include Animal Constructions and Technological Knowledge and Spaces for the Future. She lives in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Reference: https://books.google.ca/books/about/Against_Technoableism_Rethinking_Who_Nee.html?id=goGpEAAAQBAJ&source=kp_author_description&redir_esc=y
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
Synopsis
On this episode of the Pulse, host Joeita Gupta discusses disability identity and the book 'Dispatches from Disabled Country' by Catherine Frazee. The book is a collection of Frazee's writing over the years, exploring themes such as disability rights, identity, human rights, and the relationship between disability and the medical world. Frazee discusses the evolution of the disability rights movement in Canada and the ongoing debates around medical assistance in dying. The program also includes a conversation with Frazee about finding joy and staying optimistic in disabled country. Overall, the program highlights the importance of embracing disability identity and advocating for the rights and dignity of disabled individuals.
Link to Catherine Frazee’s book:
“Dispatches from Disabled Country”
https://www.amazon.ca/Dispatches-Disabled-Country-Catherine-Frazee/dp/0774868686
Episode Highlights:
Joeita introduces author and advocate Catherine Frazee (1:11)
Joeita and Catherine discuss the meaning of the title of Catherine’s book “Dispatches from Disabled Country”. (1:48)
How Catherine chose which of her writings to include in her book. (6:16)
Catherine gives her thoughts on the evolution of the disability rights movement in Canda since the 1990s. (9:20)
Catherine discusses the effects of the Traci Latimer case on disability rights. (11:56)
Joeita and Catherine discuss medical assistance and dying in Canada. (14:04)
What advice does Catherine have for someone who has recently realized their citizenship in disabled country? (23:27)
About Catherine Frazee:
Catherine Frazee is a Canadian educator, activist, researcher, poet and writer. She is currently professor emerita in the School of Disability Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).[1] Prior to her retirement from Ryerson in 2010, she served for a decade as professor of distinction and as co-director of the Ryerson/RBC Institute for Disability Studies Research and Education. She is known for her role as Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission from 1989 to 1992.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_Frazee
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
In this episode Joeita is joined by Rabbi Julia Watts Belser. They discuss the ableism and misconceptions surrounding disabilities in religious communities. Julia, who is a rabbi and scholar, emphasizes the importance of loving and embracing oneself as a disabled person in a world that often devalues and stigmatizes disabilities. They also explore the need for religious communities to move away from treating disabled individuals as symbols of suffering or inspiration and instead recognize their complexity and full humanity. Julia examines biblical texts and traditions, highlighting the presence of disability and challenging the ableist narratives often associated with them. The conversation concludes with a call for disability justice and the dismantling of ableism in society.
Link to Rabbi Belser's Book: "Loving Our Own Bones: Disability Wisdom and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole"
https://amzn.to/3EQVU79
Episode Highlights
The two discuss the new book "Loving Our Own Bones: Disability Wisdom and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole.” (2:13)
Rabbi Watts Belser explains the Bible and the imagery of disability. (5:03)
Is there a way to do charitable work in a religious context without being paternalistic to people with disabilities?(6:42)
Interpretations of certain religious texts that are central to our cultural beliefs? (9:34)
Where do disabled and non-disabled people go from here? (19:01)
Rabbi Watts Belser reads an excerpt from her book "Loving Our Own Bones: Disability Wisdom and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole.” (21:28)
About Rabbi Julia Watts Belser
Julia Watts Belser is a Professor of Jewish Studies in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, as well as core faculty in Georgetown’s Disability Studies Program and a Senior Research Fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs. Her research centers on gender, sexuality, and disability in rabbinic literature, as well as queer feminist Jewish ethics and theology. She directs Disability and Climate Change: A Public Archive Project, an initiative that documents the wisdom and insights of disabled activists, artists, and first responders on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
Her work brings ancient texts into conversation with disability studies, queer theory, feminist thought, and environmental ethics. She has held faculty fellowships at Harvard Divinity School and the Katz Center for Advanced Jewish Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the author of Rabbinic Tales of Destruction: Gender, Sex, and Disability in the Ruins of Jerusalem (Oxford University Press, 2018) and Power, Ethics, and Ecology: Rabbinic Responses to Drought and Disaster (Cambridge University Press, 2015). Her most recent book is Loving Our Own Bones: Disability Wisdom and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole (Beacon Press, 2023; published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton).
A rabbi and a longtime advocate for disability and gender justice, Belser writes queer feminist Jewish theology and brings disability arts and culture into conversation with Jewish tradition. She co-authored an international Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities (Hesperian Foundation, 2007), developed in collaboration with disability activists from 42 countries and translated into 14 languages, designed to help challenge the root causes of poverty, gender violence, and disability discrimination. She’s an avid wheelchair hiker, a lover of wild places, and a passionate supporter of disability dance.
Reference: https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/00336000014TWyHAAW/julia-watts-belser
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
What is Crip Animation and how does it challenge ableist perceptions?
On this episode of The Pulse with Joeita Gupta, Joeita welcomes Slava Greenberg. The two discuss how animation can subvert norms and challenge ableist perceptions, inviting audiences to rethink their understanding of disability. Slava Greenberg, the author of 'Animated Film and Disability: Cripping Spectatorship', explains that cripping spectatorship involves reimagining film theory and spectatorship to include all senses and perspectives, not just vision. They also explore the value of blinding and deafening the spectator in films to challenge the primacy of vision and create a more inclusive cinematic experience. The conversation touches on the intersections of trans and disabled experiences and the potential for animation to evoke transformative and imaginative futures. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of crip animation in creating a disability-inclusive world.
Link to Slava’s book: “Animated Film and Disability: Gripping Spectatorship” - https://amzn.to/3EI3Ase
Episode Highlights
“Spectatorship” in Film Theory (2:28)
What does “Cripping Spectatorship” mean? (5:00)
How experience of being trans and disabled led Slava to animation (9:09)
“Blinding and Deafening the Spectator” in cinema (11:17)
Value of shifting the gaze away from able-bodied perspective in filmmaking (17:00)
Slava reads excerpt from his book 'Animated Film and Disability: Cripping Spectatorship' (23:18)
About Slava Greenberg
Slava Greenberg is an Assistant Professor of Film in the Department of Media Studies at University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Humanities and Amsterdam School for Cultural Analysis. Previously, he served as a Casden Institute postdoctoral fellow at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts and Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies. Greenberg's research and practice, grounded in disability studies (particularly Crip theory and Mad studies), transgender studies, and feminist film theory, concern the potential of emerging media forms to produce embodied transformative experiences for audiences.
Greenberg is the author of Animated Film and Disability: Cripping Spectatorship (Indiana University Press, 2023). His articles have been published in journals such as Film Quarterly, Transgender Studies Quarterly, Animation, The Moving Image, Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, Review of Disability Studies, and Jewish Film and New Media. He regularly contributes to various field-defining anthologies, including those on disability and documentary, accent studies, queer television studies, and new media. Currently, he is writing his second book, Gender Dysphoria: An Unauthorized Biography, which examines the trans-crip histories and cultures of dysphoria from the Reed Erickson papers to contemporary pop representations.
Reference:
https://www.uva.nl/en/profile/g/r/s.greenberg/s.greenberg.html?cb#Biography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oppositional_gaze
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
This week, Joeita speaks to Ahmed Habib, an accessibility consultant based out of Doha, Qatar about the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the legacy of access left behind by the game. This is the September 16, 2023 edition
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.
Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio.
For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/
About AMI
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.
Learn more at AMI.ca
Connect on Twitter @AccessibleMedia
On Instagram @accessiblemediainc
On Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
On TikTok @accessiblemediainc
Email feedback@ami.ca
This week, Joeita speaks to Patty Douglas, inaugural Chair of Student Success at Queen's University about disability-inclusive approaches to higher education.This is the September 9, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks to Lydia XZ Brown about disability and transnational adoption. This is the August 31, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks to inclusivity coach and social justice activist Annahid Dashtgurd about "Bones of Belonging" her collection of essays exploring being a woman of colour. This is the August 24, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks to author Rena Lipiner Katz about her new book "A Life Inherited: Unraveling the Trauma of a Second-Generation Holocaust Survivor".This is the August 17, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks to award-winning blind painter John Bramblitt about his artistic process, techniques, and sources of inspiration. This is the August 10, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks to disabled filmmaker Nasreen Alkhateeb, about some of her ongoing projects and why disability representation behind the camera matters. This is the August 3, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks to playwright, actor, and director Debbie Patterson, who is the first wheelchair-using performer at the Stratford Festival. This is the July 27, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks to Doug Williams, producer, director, and writer of Let's Rent a Train, a new documentary exploring the history of the League for Socialist Action in Toronto. This is the July 20, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks to blind visual artist Clarke Reynolds about his artistic journey and why he incorporates Braille as an artistic medium. This is the July 13, 2023 edition
Explore Clarke Reynolds' art at his website: https://www.seeingwithoutseeing.com/
This week, Joeita speaks toAlan Martino from the University of Calgary about ways Pride Month can be made more disability Inclusive. This is the July 6, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks to Angela Fox, creator of the Accessibility is Home podcast and author of the book "My Blue Front Door" about her journey to home ownership as a wheelchair user. This is the last of three episodes on disability and housing. This is the June 29, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks to Tracy Odell, from the Accessible Housing Network, about why Canadian politicians, developers, and housing activists all need to embrace universally designed homes. This is the 2nd of 3 episodes on Disability & Housing. This is the June 22, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks with Ricardo Tranjan, from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, about his new book "The Tenant Class". This is the first of three episodes on Disability & Housing. This is the June 15, 2023 edition
This week, Joeita speaks to wildlife accessibility consultant Jerry Berrier about birding while blind. This is the June 8, 2023 edition
This week, Canada's Chief Accessibility Officer, Stephanie Cadieux, about her role and her thoughts on disability inclusion in Canada. This is the June 1, 2023 edition.
This week, Joeita speaks to Alexis Beuttgen about her research into employment for people with disabilities in the non-profit sector.This is the May 25, 2023 episode.
This week, Joeita speaks to public historian Nicole Belolan about the history of disability in pre-Civil War America and the artifacts left behind. This is the May 18th, 2023 episode.
Joeita speaks to researchers Glen Norcliffe and Ron Buliung about their investigation into adaptive cycling for people with disabilities. This is the May 11, 2023 episode.
Joeita speaks to Rebecca Monteleone of the University of Toledo and to journalist Amy Silverman about their research investigating how journalism can be made more accessible to people with intellectual disabilities. This is the May 4, 2023 episode.
Joeita speaks to Yumi Shirai and Carissa Maria Dicindio of the University of Arizona about their recent study exploring art as a means of dealing with grief by people with intellectual disabilities. This is the April 27, 2023 episode.
Emily Sadowski talks about her research on intuition - plus we get a sneak preview of her new book "What is Intuition? This is the April 20, 2023 episode.
Elizabeth Emens talks about her book Life Admin: How I Learned to Do Less, Do Better, and Live More. She discusses the burden of paperwork on people with disabilities.This is the March 30, 2023 episode.
The Canada Revenue Agency's Gurpreet Plaha discusses the Registered Disability Savings Plan available to Canadians with Disabilities. This is the March 23, 2023 episode.
The Canada Revenue Agency's Gurpreet Plaha discusses the Disability Tax Credit available to Canadians with Disabilities. This is the March 16, 2023 episode.
Jessica Minor, Director of Programs & Assessment at accessABILITY Indiana talks about parenting and disability. Jessica runs an online support group for the parents of kids with disabilities and talks about the importance of community when raising a child with a disability. This is the March 9, 2023 episode.
Liza Arnason is the founder and chair of Ase Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities. She talks to Joeita about the advocacy aspect of being Black and Disabled in Canada. This is the March 2, 2023 episode.
De-Lawrence Lamptey is the inaugural EMBARK scientist at Holland-Bloorview Kid's Rehab. He talks about his experiences as a Black researcher with a disability. This is the February 23, 2023 episode.
Tina Opaleke is a mother, advocate, artist, and co-founder of Prosthetics for Foreign Donations. She reflects on her journey as the Black parent of an amputee. This is the February 16, 2023 episode.
Joeita speaks to Alexa and Jacqueline Child, co-founders of Dateability, a dating app designed exclusively for People with Disabilities. This is the February 9, 2023 episode.
Joeita talks to Paralympic swimmer Danielle Campo-McLeod about her new memoir, Resurrections: My Will to Survive is Olympian. This is the February 2 , 2023 episode.
We talk about As I Live And Breathe, a new book of short stories on the experiences of youth with disabilities. Joeita's guests are author Lexin Zhang & Dolly Menna-Dack, youth engagement lead at Holland-Bloorview. Listen Live: ami.ca/listenliveBloorview#disability #stories This is the January 26 , 2023 episode.
Joeita talks to Sue Phillips, vice-president of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada about why people should prepare for the dying process. Sue describes her role as an end-of-life doula, the impact of expanding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) on her profession, and offers reflections on what it means to have a "good death". This is the January 19, 2023 episode.
Joeita discusses the Holland-Bloorview Online Disability and Sexuality Hub with Dr. Amy McPherson and artist Wesley Magee-Saxton. Wesley discusses the importance of this resource in relation to their journey of self-discovery as a trans disabled person. You can find the hub at https://hollandbloorview.ca/disability-sexuality-resource-hub This is the January 12, 2023 episode.
Nutritionist Alicia Connor & fitness expert Bobbi Janzen discuss how to keep your New Year's Resolutions. They discuss the importance of goal setting and share strategies to eat healthy and workout at home with minimal fuss. This is the January 5, 2023 episode.
Our annual Christmas story reading. This year: The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant This is the December 22, 2022 episode
Carol Haywood of Northwestern University talks about a new study examining physicians' attitudes towards patients with disabilities. She explores the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on doctor-patient relationships, and shares recommendations for addressing structural and attitudinal barriers. This is the December 15, 2022 episode
Joeita talks with a group of artists about the Suitcase Stories art project, which explores the lived experience of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities via the contents of individually packed suitcases.
We preview the December 3, 2022, International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference with organizer Marcia Yale, national president of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians and Keenan Wellar, co-leader of LiveWorkPlay. This is the December 1, 2022 episode. Tune into AMI-audio to hear the conference live on December 3 from 1 to 4 pm Eastern. To attend the conference on Zoom, register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-conference-tickets-451207252037
Joeita talks with author and NYU professor Leona Godin about her new book "There Plant Eyes: A Personal and Cultural History of Blindness". This is the November 24, 2022 episode.
Disability activist, lawyer and AODA Alliance chair David Lepofsky on what needs to be improved in Bill C22 and the proposed Canada Disability Benefit. This is the November 17, 2022 episode.
Leah Lewis discusses her play, The Dialysis Project a one-woman multi-media performance piece, which investigates grief and resilience through the lens of self-administered home dialysis. Leah “performs” a dialysis treatment live on stage, and in doing so delivers a powerful visual metaphor for the accompanying stories of isolation, mortality, and sexuality. This is the November 10, 2022 episode.
Helen Ries of Siblings Canada discusses a new financial literacy program for adult siblings of People with Disabilities. She talks about her personal experience as an adult caregiver for a sibling with a disability and explains why Savvy Siblings can help build Financial Security for People with Disabilities. To learn more about the course visit https://learning.siblingscanada.ca/courses/savvy-siblings This is the November 3, 2022 episode.
Disability activist Judith Heumann talks about Fable Tech Labs' new training course for job seekers with disabilities. She discusses her course, teaching advocacy in the workplace, and the relationship between workplace advocacy and systemic disability activism. To take Judy Heumann's course or other free workshops from Fable Tech Labs please visit https://makeitfable.com/pathways/ This is the October 27, 2022 episode.
Tim Martin of York University talks about how homelessness & disability is shown in documentaries and his article in the Canadian Journal of Disability Studies "Narrating the Housing Crisis: Encountering Madness, Homelessness, and Neoliberal Logic in Recent Film-based Narratives". This is the October 20, 2022 episode.
Maya Chupkov is the creator of the Proud Stutter podcast. Maya believes that social norms about stuttering need to change by creating welcoming spaces for stutterers and through public policy and advocacy campaigns. To learn more about Proud Stutter, visit https://www.proudstutter.com/ This is the October 13, 2022 episode.
Sarah Patel discusses her YouTube series, Thinking in Colour, about her lived experience of being disabled and Muslim. This is the October 6, 2022 episode.
Alison Gerlach, assistant professor in the School of Child and Youth Development at the University of Victoria talks about the need for an Indigenous lens in autism diagnosis and service delivery. Pointing to gaps in the existing literature, Alison makes the case for further research conducting with Indigenous communities, and the importance of centering Indigenous discourses on disability. This is the September 29, 2022 episode.
In this episode of the Pulse, we speak to Andreae Callanan, a PhD student from Memorial University about her research into the disability memoir as an accessibility device for able-bodied readers. This is the September 22, 2022 episode.
In this episode of the Pulse, we speak to Andrew Gurza, the creator of the Disability After Dark podcast, about his experience with sex education and why sex ed needs to become more disaiblity inclusive. We also speak to Chelsea Jones, assistant professor in the Department of Child and Youth Studies at Brock University about a recent project which created tools and generated conversation about disability-inclusive sex education for teachers. This is the September 15, 2022 episode.
Tricia Waechter is blind and a fashion designer. This week on the Pulse we discuss her journey in the fashion world and her recently launched label, Blind Girl Design. Tricia discusses why and how her blindness is front and centre in her work as a fashion designer. You'll also be able to catch a glimpse of some of Tricia's designs.
The Pulse is a weekly, long-form interview show that dives into issues impacting the disability community across Canada. Host Joeita Gupta is blind and deeply passionate about disability rights.
The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio at 1:30 Eastern Time and is available as a podcast on your favourite platform.
We speak to Greg Westlake, Canadian paralympian, gold medallist, and 2022 Canadian Disability Hall of Fame inductee. Greg reflects on his career highlights and on the importance of parasport as a means to advance social inclusion for People with Disabilities. This is the August 27, 2022 episode
Interview with Lorin MacDonald - human rights lawyer, disability advocate, and 2022 Canadian Disability Hall of Fame inductee. Lorin reflects on her involvement with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and her advocacy for making closed-captioning universally available. This is the August 20, 2022 episode.
Interview with Josh Dueck in the first of three interviews with the 2022 inductees into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. This is the August 13, 2022 episode
Interview with Dawn Barclay about her book Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse. This is the August 6, 2022 episode
Emily Ladau discusses her book, Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally. This is the July 30, 2022 episode
Indigenous advocate Judy Hughes talks about the most recent developments in the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This is the July 23, 2022 episode
Interview with Kevin Shaw, host of the new AMI-tv show Mind Your Own Business, exploring the journeys of entrepreneurs with disabilities. This is the July 16, 2022 episode
We talk about the impact of the reversal of Roe v Wade on people with disabilities, with sexual health educator Robin Wilson-Beattie. This is the July 9, 2022 episode
Professor Rheanna Robinson of the University of Northern British Columbia talks about her research into the barriers faced by Indigenous people living with disabilities.This is the July 2, 2022 episode
Brannon Zahand senior program manager for Accessible Gaming at Microsoft talks about the Xbox accessibility guidelines & the importance of making games accessible. This is the June 25, 2022 episode
Ophira Calof discusses the Crip Storytelling project that invites People with Disabilities to tell personal stories through a Disability lens. This is the June 18, 2022 episode
Author and performer Jessica Watkin talks about her new book Interdependent Magic, an anthology of Canadian disability-focused theatre. This is the June 11, 2022 episode
BC artist Amy Amantea discusses Through My Lens, an interactive online exhibit where sighted participants are asked to describe pictures taken by a blind photographer. This is the June 4, 2022 episode
Legally blind Canadian actor Bruce Horak talks about playing Hemmer, the Starship Enterprise's blind engineer on the new series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Bruce discusses the character and how disability inclusion on the screen translates to social inclusion for People with Disabilities. This is the May 28, 2022 episode
We speak to Michael Feir about the 2nd edition of his book, Personal Power, designed to help blind and visually impaired iPhone users get the most out of their device. Michael reflects on why the iPhone has been a game changer for the blind community and his reasons for updating his user manual. This is the May 21, 2022 episode
We preview the 7th annual Toronto ReelAbilities Film Festival with festival manager Linda Luarasi. Later in teh programme, we talk to Alex Bulmer and Leah Cherniak, co-creators of the opening night film, Postcards from my Balcony. Our conversation explores disability representation in film and how an inclusive filmmaking practice can benefit all. This is the May 14, 2022 episode
Jewelles Smith recently completed her PhD research at UBC. She discusses her findings into the unique barriers faced by mothers with disabilities and offers solutions to ensure that motherhood is a viable and welcome option for all. This is the May 7, 2022 episode
We hear from Nick Booth, CEO of the True Patriot Love Foundation about why hosting the 2025 Invictus Games will be unique and a great opportunity for Canadian parasport. Later, Major Patrick Levis discusses how parasport has changed his life providing both personal satisfaction and pride in representing his country. This is the April 30, 2022 episode
Jennifer Natalya Fink, discusses remembering our disabled ancestors and her new book, All Our Families: Disability Lineage and the Future of Kinship. She is director of the disability studies program at Georgetown University. This is the April 23, 2022 episode.
Author and disability activist Dorothy Palmer discusses her new book, Kerfuffle, which is set in Toronto during the 2010 G-20. This is the April 16, 2022 episode.
Deidre Blackmore is the founder and program director of PotteryWorks, a collective of B.C artists overcoming disability prejudice through pottery and paintings. She discusses the role of art in facilitating self-worth and economic freedom for People with Disabilities. This is the April 9, 2022 episode.
Cassandra Hartblay talks about #CripRitual an exhibit at U of T Scarborough's Doris McCarthy Gallery looking at disability culture with artwork by 20+ artists. This is the April 2, 2022 episode.
Christie Faye Collins discusses NOMI, a new dating app for disabled and neurodivergent people. This is the March 26, 2022 episode.
Rafia Haniff-Cleofas of DEEN Support Services discusses the Pity Party Podcast - a new podcast on the experiences of Muslim women with disabilities. This is the March 19, 2022 episode.
Jennifer Buchanan, executive director of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists, discusses her book: “Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of A Playlist”, and the impact of music therapy on mood, motivation, and well-being. This is the March 12, 2022 episode.
Nicole Salter talks about her memoir: Warrior in the Mud: Childhood Trauma, Adult Drama, and Reclaiming My Toxic Life. This is the March 5, 2022 episode.
Dr Roberta Timothy, program director in Black Health at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health discusses the impact of racism on the Black community during COVID-19. This is the February 25, 2022 episode.
Sarah Redikopp of York University discusses the relationship between racism and madness, and why an analysis of white supremacy is critical to Mad Studies. This is the February 19, 2022 episode.
Jared Richman of Colorado College discusses the portrayal of stuttering in the 2010 film "The King's Speech". This is the February 12, 2022 episode.
Erin Pritchard of Liverpool Hope University examines the relationship between humour and representations of dwarfism on "Family Guy". This is the February 5, 2022 episode.
Jessica Gibson of the University of York, talks about the portrayal of facial differences and disability in both Disney animated films and the recent James Bond film, "No Time to Die". This is the January 29, 2022 episode.
Rabia Khedr, national director for Disability Without Poverty, discusses a proposed monthly Canada Disability Benefit. This is the January 22, 2022 episode.
Shakil Choudhury of Anima Leadership talks about his book: Deep Diversity: A Compassionate, Scientific Approach to Achieving Racial Justice. This is the January 15, 2022 episode.
Sheri Wells-Jensen of Mission AstroAccess was one of several people with disabilities aboard a recent zero-gravity flight mimicking space travel. She discusses her experiences and the implications of disability-inclusive space travel. This is the January 8, 2022 episode.
A special Christmas reading of Oscar Wilde's The Happy Prince. This is the December 18 , 2021 episode.
Christine Malec, curator of the recently held Storytelling Fusion Cabaret, reflects on the event and the power of stories within the disability community. We will also present some highlights of the evening. This is the December 11 , 2021 episode.
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist James Ian discusses his new song, SPACES, and its message of inclusivity and visibility of people who are living with a disability. He also discusses his own journey as an artist with a disability. This is the December 5 , 2021 episode.
Maddy Dever and Christine Zannier discuss the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians' upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference. This is the November 27 , 2021 episode.
Kristin Gilger of the National Center of Disability & Journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, discusses disability representation in the news media. We discuss the challenges of covering disability issues in the news, as well as why disability inclusion makes for good journalism. This is the November 20 , 2021 episode.
Craig Reid of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland & Labrador discusses new accessibility legislation in that province. This is the November 13, 2021 episode.
Robert Kingett is the co-editor of Artificial Divide, a new collection of fiction by blind authors. We talk about the book, and some of the barriers faced by blind authors in the publishing industry.. This is the November 6, 2021 episode.
Rich Padulo is a proud dad and founder of the Treat Accessibly campaign. He describes his journey to make Halloween fun and inclusive for kids with disabilities, across Canada. This is the October 30, 2021 episode.
Diane Driedger discusses "Still Living The Edges: A Disabled Women's Reader" examining the intersection of disability and gender. This is the October 23, 2021 episode.
John Ravenscroft and Helen St Clair Tracy are co-authors of a recent study "Cerebral Visual Impairment on the Web". They explain what CVI is, and the importance of talking about it online using plain language. This is the October 16, 2021 episode.
Audio Describer and voice-over artist Valerie Hunter discusses the history of Described Video and her podcast "Movies for the Blind". October 2, 2021 episode.
Law professor Laverne Jacobs of the University of Windsor and Odelia Bay of Osgoode Hall Law School discuss their new book, Law and Disability in Canada: Cases and Materials, which explores the interaction between people with disabilities and the law. September 25, 2021 episode.
In this 1-hour election special where we ask your questions to Conservative Raquel Dancho, Green spokesperson Kimberley Vance-Mubanga, Liberal Carla Qualtrough, New Democrat Daniel Blaikie. This is the September 10, 2021 episode.
Melissa Smith is Assistant Curator of Access and Learning at the Art Gallery of Ontario. She shares her passion for making museums and galleries inclusive spaces by working with People with Disabilities as co-creators of a multi-sensory experience. This is the September 4, 2021 episode.
A special 1-hour episode with Fighting Blindness Canada where we hear from experts and patients about genetics and the human eye. This is the August 28, 2021 episode.
We meet Victoria Watts, founder of Victorialand Beauty. She discusses her passion for making her products accessible to blind people and the value of universal design in creating beauty product packages. This is the August 22, 2021 episode.
Activist Marlena Chertock discusses the linkages between climate change and disability justice. She argues that a disability-inclusive lens creates greater resilience in fighting climate change This is the August 21, 2021 episode.
We speak with Tarita Davenock, founder and CEO of Travel for All. She discusses the origins of her company which specializes in accessible travel for People with Disabilities. She expands on her philosophy that travel should be an exciting and inclusive experience. This is the August 15, 2021 episode.
Social justice educator and author Helen Lenskyj discusses the history of protests during the Olympics. She talks about efforts to reform the International Olympic Committee and the legacy of games for host cities. This is the August 14, 2021 episode.
Filmmaker and disability activist Dominick Evans discusses disability representation and inclusion in film and TV. They talk about their journey as a trans disabled filmmaker and what their role as a Hollywood consultant. This is the August 8, 2021 episode.
Gianluca Agostinelli is a PhD candidate at Brock University. He discusses whether the Montreal Canadiens legitimized rape culture by drafting defenceman Logan Mailloux. This is the August 7, 2021 episode.
Two contributors to the "Illuminating" exhibit, hosted by Holland-Bloorview Kids Hospital, discuss how their art is meant to be a vehicle for social change. Each discusses their feelings about sex, relationships, and dating and offer tips on how healthcare professionals can better address sexual health with People with Disabilities. This is the August 1, 2021 episode.
Hannah Thompson is a professor of French and Critical Disability Studies at Royal Holloway University in London. She discusses her role as a consultant on the play "Blindness", which premieres in Toronto in August 2021. We also find out why she thinks of herself as "partially blind". This is the July 31, 2021 episode.
Multiple Sclerosis patient communicator Ed Tobias says Disability Pride Month isn't for him. We find out why. Ed Tobias is a retired broadcast journalist and the author of "We're Not Drunk, We Have MS: A toolkit for living with Multiple Sclerosis." This is the July 25, 2021 episode.
Dr. Amy McPherson of Holland-Bloorview Kids Hospital, discusses a new online art exhibit featuring the work of youths with disabilities navigating sexuality within the healthcare system. Dr. McPherson makes the case for a conversation about the positive experience of sex for People with Disabilities. This is the June 24, 2021 episode.
Kate Mior is a performer, living statue, DJ, and a fashion designer whose corsets function as accessibility support braces for people with scoliosis and other back conditions. She talks about making accessibility fun and fashionable, and about her varied career. This is the July 18, 2021 episode.
Anthony Frisina is a disability activist and author of a new book, "Above & Beyond". He discusses his book and offers his take on Disability Pride Month, calling for disability revolution. This is the June 17, 2021 episode.
University of Calgary instructor and researcher Alan Martino talks about the barriers faced by people with intellectual disabilities in pursuing and maintaining romance. This is the July 11, 2021 episode.
Carla Qualtrough, Minister for Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion and Jewelles Smith, Communications & Government Relations Officer for the Council of Canadians with Disabilities join us to discuss Bill C-35. If enacted, the Bill would create a federal disability support benefit for working-age adults with disabilities. This is the June 10, 2021 episode.
Laverne Jacobs is with the Faculty of Law at the University of Windsor. She has been recently nominated to serve on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She discusses why it's important for Canada to have a voice on an international committee. This is the July 4, 2021 episode.
Nunavut MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq joins us to reflect on her term in the House of Commons and her future plans. She discusses the housing crisis in Nunavut as well as disability issues. This is the July 3, 2021 episode.
Psychiatrist Arlene MacDougall has tips and tricks to combat reopening anxiety. She says it's important to undertake self-care practices and keep lines of communication open with friends and family. This is the June 27, 2021 episode.
Brenda Gunn is a legal scholar at the University of Manitoba. She explains the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and what its adoption means for Canada. This is the June 16, 2021 episode.
Economist Jim Stanford of the Centre for Future Work discusses a new study, Bargaining Tech: Shaping New Technologies to Improve Work, not Devalue It" exploring the impact of new technology on the quantity and quality of work in Canada – and strategies for ensuring that new technology produces more benefits for workers. This is the June 20, 2021 episode.
Kate Welsh is a Queer, disabled artist, activist and educator who believes in centering the voices of LGBTQ disabled people in therapy, activism, and social justice work. She discusses her role as a Queer-friendly counsellor whose work is informed by a healing justice paradigm. This is the June 19, 2021 episode.
In this special one-hour episode we learn about exciting innovations in eyecare and vision health. We hear from experts, a parent advocate, and a representative of Fighting Blindness Canada.
Lynne Jackson is a professor in the Department of Psychology at King's University College at Western University. She shares the results of a recent experiment, which looks at the impact of environmental accessibility on perceptions of the competence of People with Disabilities. This is the June 6, 2021 episode.
People with Disabilities routinely come in contact with social workers, speech therapists, physiotherapists and others. Occupational therapist Madeline Burghardt and social worker Anne Fudge Schormans reflect on their careers and research and make an argument for a disability-inclusive practice in the helping professions. This is the June 5, 2021 episode.
Ron Walsh, the Blind Adventurer, makes a case for outdoor activities, physical exercise, and pushing your limits as a person with a disability. Ron shares his personal story and shares his tips for staying active during the pandemic. This is the May 30, 2021 episode.
We speak to public historian and PhD candidate Kira Smith about her research into case files of patients at the Brockville Asylum between 1894 and 1950. Kira talks about the ways in which ideas about mental health are revealed through an examination of patient case files. This is the May 29, 2021 episode.
Kate Chung discusses the Accessible Housing Network and why it was formed. She talks about their campaign to include accessibility in building codes across Canada. This is the May 23, 2021 episode.
We speak to political scientist Peter Graefe from McMaster University. He discusses the findings of a new survey on the impact of COVID-19 on income supports, work, and financial security. This is the May 22, 2021 episode.
We speak to Joseph Fraser, the new CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. Fraser discusses his goals for the commission, including addressing ableism, racism, and access to justice. This is the May 15, 2021 episode.
Ravi Maholtra and Ben Isitt discuss their new book, Able to Lead, a biography of crusading disabled early-20th century politician E.T. Kingsley. We reflect on Kingsley's legacy and the value of a disability perspective on the recounding of history. This is the May 15, 2021 episode.
JS Ryu of the National accessArts Centre discusses their programming and services geared to artists with disabilities as well as Global Affairs Canada’s acquisition and display around the world of the works of 13 artists with disabilities. This is the May 9, 2021 episode.
Vera Kubenz of the University of Birmingham discusses her recent study of the experience of COVID-19 for People with Disabilities in low and middle-income countries. This is the May 8, 2021 episode.
Tim Spuck from Associated Universities Inc., talks about new software that aids visually impaired and blind astronomers by converting images into soundscapes in real time. This software is one means of making astronomy and other sciences accessible to People with Disabilities. This is the May 2, 2021 episode.
Colin Barnes from the University of Leeds talks about the history and future of disability and work - and the need for an international disabled workers' movement. This is the May 1, 2021 episode
In this one-hour special, ophthalmologist Dr. Deepa Yoganathan shares advice and answers common questions about preserving eye health during the pandemic. Also, Liz Tully, a patient with wet AMD, shares her experience receiving eye injections during the pandemic. Finally, Dr. Larissa Moniz from Fighting Blindness Canada talks about some of FBC's resources and programs. This is the April 24, 2021 episode.
As the Canadian Paralympic Committee prepares to send its delegation to Tokyo in August 2021, Western University’s Laura Misener discusses some of the challenges faced by Canadian Paralympians during the pandemic. She makes the case for parasport as a social movement and a vehicle for change. This is the April 18, 2021 episode.
Toronto Star immigration reporter Nicholas Keung discusses recent changes to Canada’s policy around medical inadmissibility for prospective immigrants with disabilities. Later, Jay Dolmage of the University of Waterloo recounts the history of racism and eugenics underpinning Canada’s immigration system. This is the April 16, 2021 episode.
Kelly Fritsch & Anne McGuire, discuss their new children’s book, “We Move Together”, which is a story for people of all ages that effectively explores disability and difference. This is the April 11, 2021, episode.
Gennifer Freiman of the Disability Opportunity Fund discusses West Virginia’s Schoolhouse Hotel. Opening in 2022, this boutique hotel plans to be fully accessible to People with Disabilities. We discuss the importance of normalizing disability in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. This is the April 10, 2021 episode.
Stuart Hann, the Blind Chocolatier, talks about his journey as a pastry chef after suddenly losing his vision due to a rare eye disease. This is the April 4, 2021 episode.
Laurie Davidson from the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) talks about the importance of books in alternate formats for Canadians who are print-disabled and the threat of government cutbacks. This is the April 3, 2021 episode.
Author and journalist Sandra Martin discusses the lessons learned around the treatment of the elderly during the pandemic. She makes a case for models of community care and homecare as we rethink our healthcare system in the aftermath of COVID-19. This is the March 28, 2021 episode.
We learn about the 2021 TD Disability & Inclusion Fellowship for aspiring journalists with The Walrus’ executive director, Jennifer Hollett. We also meet the 2020 Fellow, Aimee Louw, who talks about why this was an important opportunity for her. This is the March 27, 2021 episode.
Jeannette Campell, CEO of the Ontario Disability Employment Network previews the Rethinking Disability Conference taking place March 24th. She says "pandemic or not, there's always a case to hire People with Disabilities", This is the March 21, 2021 episode.
As more Canadians roll up their sleeves for the jab, infectious disease specialist Dr. Scott Halperin, director of the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology, explains the different vaccines approved in Canada and how well they're holding up against Covid variants. We also hear from disability advocate Niko Pupella of Community Living Ontario on what has and hasn't worked for the disability community during the vaccine rollout. This is the March 20, 2021 episode.
Julian Uccello joins us to talk about his soccer career and the multiple sclerosis diagnosis that brought it to an end. He describes the significance of MS Awareness Month and reflects on what he has lost and gained on his journey. This is the March 14, 2021 episode.
We talk to singer-songwriter Christa Couture about her memoir, “How to Lose Everything,” which is being released this month as an audiobook. Christa talks about her journey with grief and the strategies she has used to cope. This is the March 13, 2021 episode.
Vivian Ly from Autistics United Canada, reflects on Disability Day of Mourning, which took place on March 1st. We discuss the online vigil to remember the victims of filicide and the significance of the Disability Day of Mourning in the context of a global pandemic. This is the March 7, 2021 episode.
Director Scott Marshutz discusses his new documentary, Let ‘Em Play, which follows for young athletes with disabilities as they each try to secure a spot on the US Paralympic team. The documentary chronicles their triumphs and setbacks. This is the March 6, 2021 episode.
Jules Sherred, curator of the Cowichan Valley Disability, Culture and Food Through Art Exhibit discusses this unique photo and video exhibit being mounted in the summer of 2021. The exhibit explores the stories of People with Disabilities and racialized communities around food security and access. This is the February 28, 2021 episode.
Researcher and scientist Hilary Brown of the University of Toronto describes her new study examining barriers to prenatal health and pregnancy care for women with disabilities. We find out about the role of stigma and the lack of accessible services for maternal care for women with disabilities and examine some possible solutions. This is the February 27, 2021 episode.
In this feature-length special edition of the Pulse, we bring together various points of view on Medical Assistance in Dying, including Canada's Bill C-7. We speak to People with Disabilities, academics, physicians, and lawyers on both sides of the issue in search of common ground. This is the February 20, 2021 episode.
We learn about an exciting collaboration between the Tetra Society of North America (Atlantic chapter) and Venus Envy, a Halifax-based sex shop and bookstore. We discuss why People with Disabilities often get left out of conversations on sex and sexuality and how designing accessible sex toys is a great way to get the conversation started. This is the February 13, 2021 episode.
We meet blind pianist Michael Arnowitt and African-American textile artist Therisa Rogers. They discuss how they've been keeping busy as artists during the pandemic and we learn about Michael's upcoming online piano concert. This is the February 5, 2021 episode
We meet AMI-tv's new Ottawa reporter, Christopher Vallée, who describes his passion for journalism and storytelling. Christopher is an advocate for men's mental health - he shares his experiences.
This is the episode of January 30th, 2021
Neuroscientist Steven Lockley, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard, speaks about sleep and circadian disorders in people who are blind or partially sighted. We learn about the impact of reduced light exposure on our body clocks and how Professor Lockley's research can assist both blind and sighted people who have trouble sleeping. This is the January 23, 2020 episode
Paralympian Ness Murby says that People with Disabilities are far from helpless during an emergency. With adequate preparation, People with Disabilities can stay safe during emergencies such as floods, fires, hurricanes, or power outages. Ness discusses the AMI Emergency Series. This is the January 16, 2021 episode.
Registered Social Worker Lisa Derencinovic discusses her work with the Sharing Support Group, run by Balance for Blind Adults in Toronto, which provides a supportive environment for blind and partially-sighted participants to collectively address mental health concerns. Lisa shares tips and tricks that allow us to build resiliancy in the face of the pandemic. This is the January 9, 2021 episode.
Judy Rebick talks about a new documentary on her life, Judy vs Capitalism. We discuss Judy’s feminism, her involvement in the pro-choice movement, and the mental health concerns she dealt with while serving as president of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. This is the December 6, 2020 episode.
As we close out 2020, CNIB Foundation president John Rafferty and Accessible Media Inc. CEO David Errington join us to discuss the year in review and give us a sneak preview of things to come. This is the December 20, 2020 episode.
AMI producer Paul Daniel discusses some of his picks for the best books of 2020, with selections from a variety of genres. There’s something for everyone on Paul’s bookshelf, be they an avid reader or someone looking for escape during the winter. Head to ami.ca/onthepulse for Paul’s selection. This is the December 19, 2020 episode.
Little is known about the experiences of People with Disabilities in accessing fertility, contraception, assisted reproduction, abortion, pre- and post-natal care and family planning. Áine Sperrin from the Re(al) Productive Justice network in Ireland discusses their ongoing research into reproductive rights for People with Disabilities, which entails examining legal statutes, collecting oral histories, and the eventual publication of a toolkit meant to assist legal and medical professionals. This is the December 13, 2020 episode.
As federal agencies develop regulations under the Accessible Canada Act, Heather McCain from the Accessibility in Action project, discusses ways in which People with Disabilities can ensure that their feedback is taken into account. They are the founder and executive director of a BC non-profit, Creating Accessible Neighbourhoods, and they describe the importance of intersectionality in Disability activism. This is the December 12, 2020 episode.
The Hon. Carla Qualtrough, Minister for Employment, Workplace Development, and Disability Inclusion joins us to discuss the theme for IDPD2020. She discusses the challenges faced by the disability community and describes the steps taken by the Canadian government to ensure that People with Disabilities are not left behind. This is the December 5, 2020 episode.
Matthew Monias, performing as Mattmac, speaks to us about growing up Indigenous and blind on Garden Hill First Nation, near Winnipeg, Manitoba. A self-taught vocalist and producer, Mattmac describes the power of music in changing the course of his life and as a way to inspire others. This is the November 29, 2020 episode.
Philip Pauli of RespectAbility, an American non-partisan disability rights group, discusses the ways in which People with Disabilities mobilized ahead of the 2020 U.S. Presidential election. We look back at the campaign, including data analysis by RespectAbility which looked at key issues confronting the Disability community. Pauli describes how People with Disabilities can get involved with the incoming Biden Administration. This is the November 28, 2020 episode
Ena Chadha discusses her role as Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. She describes the importance of taking an intersectional approach to disability discrimination. We discuss the importance of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month and reflect on the tragic passing of Joyce Echaquan, an Indigenous woman whose tragic death in a Quebec hospital sparked outrage. This is the November 22, 2020 episode.
Mary Mammoliti joins us to talk about her podcast, Kitchen Confession, which documents her love of food, conversations with people with disabilities who share her love of good cooking. Mary provides some tips and tricks for cooking during the pandemic. This is the November 21, 2020 episode.
Lawrence Gunther, the producer and subject of the upcoming documentary, Makings of a Guide Dog, describes his journey as a documentary filmmaker and blind storyteller. Lawrence is warm, conversational, and witty as he recounts his journey getting to know seven lively guide dog puppies, all of which are part of the CNIB Guide Dog Program. This is the November 15, 2020 episode.
Naomi Schwartz from the University of Toronto discusses her research into the systemic barriers to food access, purchasing, and preparation for people with mobility disabilities. Her research debunks commonly held myths and encourages us to think about the relationship between place and questions of food security. This is the November 14, 2020 episode.
David Davis discusses his book Wheels of Courage: How World War II Veterans Invented Wheelchair Sports, fought for Disability Rights, and Inspired a Nation. The conversation highlights the determination of returning veterans to beat the odds and change perceptions of disability both on and off the court. This is the November 8, 2020 episode.
Jaclyn Siegel of Western University discusses her research into the impact of the pandemic on people with eating disorders. COVID-19 has created unique challenges, including access to treatments for people with eating disorders. Jaclyn encourages us to rethink our messages about body weight and image. This is the November 7, 2020 episode
The controversy within the disability community rages on. We speak to Jason LeBlanc, an independent researcher who is in favour of MAID and Taylor Hyatt of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities, who is opposed to Bill C-7. This is the November 1, 2020, episode.
Canada’s Bill C-7 is currently being debated in parliament. It would substantially widen the scope for medically assisted dying in Canada. Patricia Hughes, founding executive director of the Law Commission of Ontario, explains the history of MAID. Yves Giroux, Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer, discusses his office’s recent report on the fiscal impact of Bill C-7. This is the October 31, 2020, episode.
Disability advocate Donna Jodhan of Barrier-Free Canada reflects on the 10-year anniversary of her successful legal battle against the federal government. Her victory was an important step towards ensuring the government websites were accessible, usable, and navigable. Donna reflects on her journey and lessons learned. This is the October 25, 2020 episode.
To celebrate AMI’s launch of several original podcasts, we assemble a panel of avid podcasters: Amy Amantea of Accessing Art with Amy; Jennie Bovard of Low-Vision Moments, and technical producer Sam Robinson. They talk about their respective podcasts and weigh in on the question of why podcasting as a medium represents a valuable opportunity for People with Disabilities. This is the October 24, 2020 episode.
Paul-Claude Bérubé, chair of the board for Accessibility Standards Canada, discusses their recent annual report. We learn about their work and priorities in the preceding year and inquire about their research and projects in the year to come. This is the October 18, 2020 episode.
Danielle Peers is a researcher at the University of Alberta specializing in kinesiology, and a former paralympian. They talk about their research into ways in which sports organizations can do more to create a culture of inclusion for People with Disabilities. Danielle’s research queries the imagining of disability in sport. This is the October 17, 2020 episode.
Suzanne Stolz from the University of San Diego’s Department of Learning and Teaching discusses the principles of Universal Design in education. We talk about what UDL is, how it came to be, and how it can be best implemented in the classroom. This is the October 11, 2020 episode.
Communications expert Mitchell McKinney of the University of Missouri weighs in on the first Trump-Biden presidential debate. He also discusses the history of presidential debates and considers whether or not they matter. This is the October 10, 2020 episode.
Italian photographer and visual designer Stefano Sbrulli discusses his candid photographs of people who are blind and partially sighted during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. His pictures document the lives and stories of blind Italians, which he hopes to include in a forthcoming book. This is the October 4, 2020 episode.
Cathy Browne joins us to discuss her CBC series, Access Denied, which discusses the challenges faced by People with Disabilities during COVID-19. Cathy makes a case for journalism that asks provocative questions. This is the October 3, 2020 episode.
We speak to Toni Pickard of Coalition Canada about the history of Basic Income programs in the country. Why might Basic Income programs be effective? Why have they never been implemented? What it mean for People with Disabilities? This is the September 26, 2020 episode.
We talk to Christine Malec and JJ Hunt about their groundbreaking podcast, “Talk Description to Me”. Christine and JJ are warm and lively and talk about the relevance of image description in understanding and contextualizing current affairs . This is the September 20, 2020 episode.
We discuss the importance of networking and mentorship with legally blind lawyer Joseph Danowsky. Joseph is a long-time disability advocate and believes in the power of good communication, finding your champions, and showcasing your abilities. This is the September 19, 2020 episode.
Meghan Hogg, a contributor to Knots Journal of Disability Studies at the University of Toronto describes her work, which examined the relationship between fatphobia, saneism, and the treatment of disabled bodies. Her research examines the role of the health and wellness sectors, which force bodies to conform, and provokes conversation about alternatives where different bodies are accepted. This is the September 13, 2020 episode.
University of Alberta psychology professor Peggy St. Jacques discusses her ongoing research into the formation and retrieval of memories and the role of visual perspective. We find out how memories are formed, stored, and retrieved as well as ways to improve our memory. This is the September 12, 2020 episode.
We hear from Isaac Ohana, head of business development for Disability Credit Canada, about their agency and scholarship program for Canadian students with a disability. We also meet Preston Swan Merrison, recipient of the 2020 DCCI scholarship and learn about the transition from high school to university as a student with a disability. This is the September 6, 2020 episode.
We speak to Leilani Farha, Global Director of The Shift and former UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Housing. Leilani describes the commodification of housing and the role of private equity in driving up housing costs. She discusses alternative proposals and articulates housing as a human right. This is the September 5, 2020 episode.
We speak to Carleton University professor Jacqueline Kennelly about her research into the relationship between affordable housing and the experiences of homelessness and housing insecurity. This is the August 30, 2020 episode.
We speak to Jessica Rauchberg, PhD student at McMaster University, about the ways in which People with Disabilities utilize social media to organize around common causes and find community. This is the August 29, 2020 episode.
We discuss modern conceptions of good parenting, motherhood, and the idea of a good childhood with Sam Brunet on their article in Knots, a journal on disability studies. We learn how a desire to eliminate disability equates with a happy childhood and heightened pressure on mothers. This is the August 23, 2020 episode.
We discuss the social determinants of health, such as disability, income inequality, and housing, with Dennis Raphael of York University’s Faculty of Health. We inquire about possible solutions and recommendations to improve the overall quality of public health in Canada. This is the August 22, 2020 episode.
We talk to University of Michigan law professor Margo Schlanger about the barriers faced by prisoners with disabilities. We consider the need for prison reform given the overrepresentation of inmates with disabilites in US and Canadian prisons. This is the August 16, 2020 episode.
We speak with Rabia Khedr, former Ontario human rights commissioner and president of DEEN Support Services. We talk out about the first annual Global Conference on Disability and Islam being held on August 18th. This is the August 15, 2020 episode.
We discuss the issues surrounding the plan to reopens schools in Ontario in September during COVID-19. Our first guest is high school teacher Jason Kunin, who provides his perspective as an educator. Our second guest is disability advocate David Lepofsky, who discusses the impact on students with disabilities. This is the August 9, 2020 episode.
We speak with Keith McArthur, founder of the CureGRIN Foundation and host of a medical mystery podcast, “Unlocking Bryson’s Brain”. Keith talks to us about his journey as a parent of a son with a disability, about the ethics and dilemma of seeking a cure. This is the August 8, 2020 episode.
We speak to Professor Sarah Bell of the University of Exeter about the linkages between nature, health, wellness, and disability. We enquire about ways in which people can engage with nature on their own terms, regardless of ability. This is the August 2, 2020 episode.
We speak to Erin Willman, CEO of White Cane Coffee and Bob Willman, her father and business partner. White Cane Coffee, based in Warren, Pennsylvania, is an online coffee distributor with a conscience. Erin and her team provide organic, fair-trade, and affordable coffee with a view to create employment for People with Disabilities. This is the August 1, 2020 episode
We speak with Jessica Ponting from the Industrial Accidents Victims Group of Ontario (IAVGO) Community Legal Clinic about migrant workers’ concerns. This is the July 26, 2020 episode.
We speak with Elizabeth Ellcessor, from the University of Virginia, about social media accessibility and usability. This is the July 25, 2020 episode.
We speak with Alex Bulmer, co-artistic director of Common Boots theatre, about inclusivity in theatre. This is the July 19, 2020 episode.
We speak to Dr. Nadine Bartlett of the University of Manitoba about the use of physical restraint and seclusion in schools for students with disabilities. This is the July 18, 2020 episode.
We speak to Shawn Marsolais of Blind Beginnings in British Columbia about online programming for blind youth engagement during COVID-19. This is the July 12, 2020 episode.
We discuss the challenges of traveling while blind, during COVID-19, with Dr. Nicholas Giudice of the University of Maine. This is the July 11, 2020 episode.
We discuss access to home care for people with disabilities during COVID-19 with Haley Flaro, executive director of Ability New Brunswick. This is the July 5, 2020 episode.
We speak with Dr Gili Hammer of Hebrew U about blind women’s participation in visual culture and their performance of blindness and gender expectations. This is the July 4, 2020 episode.
We look at the impact of hashtag activism and the Black Lives Matter movement on People with Disabilities with author Moya Bailey. This is the June 28, 2020 episode.
We discuss the impact of reopening of the economy on People with Disabilities with Kathryn Underwood and Ravi Maholtra. This is the June 27, 2020 episode.
We discuss the failure of the federal government to pass a COVID-19 benefit for Canadians with Disabilities with Jewelles Smith, Past Chair of the Council for Canadians with Disabilities.
We discuss the impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities and the documentary Lana Gets Her Talk with director Beth Wishart Mackenzie and Cree artist Lana Whiskeyjack. This is the June 20, 2020 episode.
In celebration of National AccessAbility Week, we speak to Tova Sherman, the co-founder of the Halfiax-base non-profit reachAbility. She describes their accessible supports and programming available to the community during COVID-19. This is the June 1, 2020 episode.
In celebration of National AccessAbility Week, we speak to Ana Maria Faria from Easter Seals Canada. She describes their year-round services and annual their awareness initiative, Red Shirt Day. This is the June 3, 2020 episode.
In celebration of National AccessAbility Week, we speak to Dana Erickson is the CEO of Manitoba Possible, formerly known as Society for Manitobans with Disabilities. He discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the disability community in Manitoba and describes their new online service that connects people with disabilities to skilled service providers. This is the June 2, 2020 episode.
In celebration of National AccessAbility Week, we speak to disability advocate Rick Hansen. He discusses the services and programming offered by the Rick Hansen Foundation and reflects on the 35th anniversary of his Man in Motion Tour. This is the June 1, 2020 episode.
Cassie Wilson discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the music industry and describes Half Access, her non-profit organization dedicated to making live music more accessible to people with disabilities. This is the May 28, 2020 episode.
Director John Banovich shares his journey in filmmaking and disability advocacy in the film industry. This is the May 27, 2020 episode.
David Shreeve, the co-founder of The Conservation Foundation in the U.K., describes about their community initiative “Gardening Against the Odds.” And, AMI community reporter Milena Khazanavicius shares some tips and tricks for gardening while isolating during COVID-19. This is the May 25, 2020 episode.
Wellness chef Geremy Capone and registered dietitian Stephanie Gladman describe ELLICSR Kitchen, a healthy cooking program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. This is the May 25, 2020 episode.
Jennison Asuncion is head of accessibility engineering evangelism at LinkedIn. He discusses the need for increased digital accessibility and inclusive design. This is the May 21, 2020 episode.
Chicago-based director Salome Chasnoff and writer Susan Nussbaum discuss Code of the Freaks, their new documentary feature that will screen at this year’s Reel Abilities Film Festival in Toronto. This is the May 20th, 2020 episode.
Artistic director Liviya Mendelsohn discusses the 5th annual Reel Abilities Film Festival in Toronto. And, Toronto-based filmmaker Cody Bennett discusses his new short film "Love Beyond Accessibility." This is the May 19th, 2020 episode.
Cory Reeder is a writer based in LA. He discusses his new passion project “Scenes to Screen (while in quarantine),” a weekly online event about script writing with a focus on disability and inclusion. This is the May 7th, 2020 episode
CCB president Louise Gillis and senior research officer Dr. Keith Gordon discuss the results of their recent survey about the effects of COVID-19 on the vision loss community. This is the May 6th, 2020 episode.
Author Amanda Leduc discusses her new book “Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space.” This is the May 5th, 2020 episode.
Liz Johnson is the managing director and co-founder of The Ability People, a U.K. based organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities. She explores how working-from-home can open more employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This is the May 4, 2020 episodes.
Stephanie Dixon and Danielle Main discuss season three of Mind Set Go, a fitness documentary series that follows the high-stakes journey of eight Canadians as they transform their physical, mental and emotional health with the help of fitness experts. This is the April 30, 2020 episode.
Journalism professor Paul Adams discusses the importance of crisis and risk communication from media. And, Canadian Press reporter Michelle McQuigge and journalist Meagan Gillmore share their experiences working in the field during the COVID-19 outbreak. This is the April 29, 2020 episode.
Roxanne Mykitiuk is an Osgoode Hall law professor and director of the Disability Law Intensive Program at York University and Trudo Lemmens is a professor at the University of Toronto. They explore the ethical issues around assessing the value of a life and share their list of precautions to help safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities during COVID-19. This is the April 28, 2020 episode.
Dr. Kim Hellemans is a professor at Carleton University in Ottawa and the co-host of the award-winning podcast Minding the Brain. She discusses the impact of social isolation on mental health and stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. We also speak to occupational therapist Kaitlin O'Toole about her recent study on mobile health apps as a vital tool for military members and first responders seeking mental health support. This is the April 27, 2020 episode.
Co-directors Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht discuss the making of their new Netflix documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution. This is the April 23, 2020 episode.
MPP Lisa Gretzky discusses issues of income assistance for people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and describes the NDP’s current petition to protect income from the Ontario Disability Support Program. This is the April 22, 2020 episode.
Ricardo Tranjan is a Senior Researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. He discusses his recent report “The Rent Is Due Soon: Financial Insecurity and COVID-19” and explores the issues facing renters and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the April 21, 2020 episode.
Dr. Jennifer Robson is an Associate Professor for Political Management at Carleton University. She discusses her plain language guide that explains the emergency financial supports available for people impacted by COVID-19 such as the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit. This is the April 20, 2020 episode.
Ryan Van Praet is the program lead for partnerships recreation and sports at the CNIB Foundation for the Ontario West region. He discusses the importance of maintaining routine and shares tips for staying fit and healthy while in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the April 9, 2020 episode.
We explore some angles in which COVID-19 has been impacting the world. We speak with disability justice advocate Constanza Farias about We Link, an upcoming platform she designed to offers assistance to people with disabilities. And, Liviya Mendelsohn tells how the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre is adapting their inclusive programming during COVID-19. This is the April 8, 2020 episode.
John Rafferty is the President and CEO of the CNIB Foundation. He discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the organization and the blind and partially sighted community in Canada. This is the April 7, 2020 episode.
We explore some angles in which COVID-19 has been impacting the world. We learn how parent Becki Zerr and her son are coping during the pandemic. And, we hear from Andrew Gurza about the importance of social distancing for people with disabilities. This is the April 6, 2020 episode.
David Lepofsky is the Chair Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance. He discusses the Disability Advocacy Coalition’s call to action for governments from all levels to address the emergency needs of people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the April 2, 2020 episode.
Dr. David Pettinicchio is an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Toronto. He discusses a study he co-authored called “Barriers to Economic Security: Disability, Employment, and Asset Disparities in Canada.” This is the April 1, 2020 episode.
Bonnie Brayton is the national executive director of the DisAbled Women’s Network of Canada. She discusses Include Me Canada’s list of recommendations for the Canadian Government to address the needs of people with disabilities and their families during the COVID-19 crisis. This is the March 31, 2020 episode.
Karla Verschoor is the executive director of Inclusion BC. She discusses their proposed measures for heightened awareness and consideration of people with intellectual disabilities during COVID-19. This is the March 30, 2020 episode.
Kate McWilliams is a disability rights advocate based in based in British Columbia. She tells us how the recent work-from-home accommodations during COVID-19 inspired her trending hashtag Accessibility for Ableds. This is the March 26, 2020.
We explore some angles in which COVID-19 has been impacting the world. In the first half of the show, we discuss the postponement of the 2020 Paralympic games in Tokyo with Stephanie Dixon, Canada's Paralympic chef de mission. In the second half, we speak with U.K-based Criminologist Dr. David Wilkin about the various hate crimes that have developed in recent weeks. This is the March 25, 2020 episode.
Renu Mandhane is the chief commissioner for the Ontario Human Rights Commission. She discusses the commission’s public inquiry into the human rights issues affecting students with reading disabilities in Ontario’s public education system. This is the March 24, 2020 episode.
Judith Heumann is a disability and civil rights activist. She’s also the senior fellow at the Ford Foundation. She discusses her new memoir called “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist.” This is the March 23, 2020 episode.
Saskatoon-based Yoga instructor Kevin Naidoo discusses season two of AMI-tv’s Reflect and Renew. This is the March 12, 2020 episode.
Michael McNeely is a law student at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He discusses the need for inclusive education and employment for students with disabilities. he also shares his personal experiences with accessibility, accommodations, and self-advocacy at school. This is the March 11, 2020 episode.
Dorrie Rush is the Chief Content Officer at OEPatients.org, an online resource providing information and advice for living a successful life with vision loss. She shares her journey as an accessibility evangelist and advocate for universal access and inclusive design. This is the March 10, 2020 episode.
We celebrate International Women’s Day and discuss disability inclusion, education rights and women’s empowerment with Preeti Monga, the founder of Silver Linings. This is the March 9, 2020 episode.
Dorothy Ellen Palmer is a writer and accessibility consultant based in Burlington, Ontario. She discusses her new memoir “Falling for Myself” which follows her journey to disability justice. This is March 5, 2020 episode.
Martel Catalano is a public speaker and podcast host. She discusses her non-profit organization Beyond My Battle that provides support services and educational resources to help with the stress of serious illness and disability. This is the March 4, 2020 episode.
Filmmaker Victor Mifsud discusses his autobiographical documentary “My Neuroplastic Adventure” and shares his journey with vision loss to become a citizen scientist and bio-hacker. This is the March 3, 2020 episode.
Stephanie Woodward is an attorney, disability rights advocate and founder of Disability Details. She discusses the importance of Disability Day of Mourning and explores the issues surrounding the social implications of filicide. This is the March 3, 2020 episode.
We conclude our coverage from the Canadian Vision 2020 Summit in Ottawa! Today, we discuss access to vision care in Canada with Dr. Aaron Patel from the Canadian Association of Optometrists and Jennifer Urosevic from Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada. This is the February 27th, 2020 episode.
We continue our coverage from the Canadian Vision 2020 Summit in Ottawa! Today, we explore lived experiences with vision loss with Samantha Moore from FBC’s Young Leaders Program and Louise Gillis and Albert Ruel from the CCB. This is the February 26th, 2020 episode.
We continue our coverage from the Canadian Vision 2020 Summit in Ottawa! Today, we explore the relationship between data collection and public policy with Stuart Morris from Statistics Canada and Luna Bengio from the Office of Public Service Accessibility. This is the February 25th, 2020 episode.
We kick off our coverage of the Canadian Vision 2020 Summit in Ottawa! Today we discuss the state of vision research in Canada with Dr. Catherine Tsilfidis from the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Dr. Michel Cayouette from the Montreal Clinical Research Institute. This is the February 24th, 2020 episode.
Toronto-based musician and composer Jeremy Dutcher discusses his debut album Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa and explores the importance of preserving Indigenous language and culture. This is the February 13, 2020 episode.
Doug Earle is the President & CEO of Fighting Blindness Canada. He describes three draft policy white papers that will be addressed at the Canadian Vision 2020 Summit in Ottawa. He also discusses some of the key issues facing the vision loss community and explores the importance of access to vision health care. This is the February 12, 2020 episode.
Akilah Newton is the Founder and Executive Director for Overture with the Arts. She discusses the significance of remembering and preserving Black History in Canada and tells us about the Tracking Black Canada tour. This is the February 11, 2020 episode.
We discuss “The Invincible James Lee,” a new AMI-tv documentary that follows the story of James Lee on his journey to become a double amputee. This is the February 10, 2020 epsiode.
Film critic and writer Angelo Muredda previews the 92nd annual Academy Awards and shares his Oscars predictions for film’s biggest night. This is the February 6, 2020 episode.
We discuss the making of AMI’s new morning show “NOW with Dave Brown” and speak with the show’s producers and creators about their creative process behind the scenes. This is the February 5, 2020 episode.
David Wilkin is a criminologist and researcher specializing in hate crime studies. He explores the issues presented in his new book “Disability Hate Crime: Experiences of Everyday Hostility on Public Transport.” This is the February 4, 2020 episode.
We discuss #IGotThis, a new AMI-tv series about overcoming personal battles and moving forward both physically and mentally. We speak to the show’s producer with Tara Yolan Mewis and para-athlete Jacob Wasserman. Jacob is one of the individuals featured on the show and a survivor of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018. This is the February 3, 2020 episode.