Reflections

Service animals are more than pets, they’re expertly trained companions who empower their handlers with freedom, safety, and independence. And now, let’s factor in the public.

How do handlers deal with strangers petting their dogs without permission, asking invasive questions, or ignoring clear boundaries?

Nisreen Abdel-Majid takes us inside a day in the life of guide dog handlers to better understand what it truly means to rely on a guide dog, and why respect and understanding from the public makes all the difference.

Runa Patel and Jeff Berwick, both experienced guide dog handlers, share powerful stories from their experiences. Landra Berwick, a professional guide dog instructor with decades of varying expertise offers insight into the thoughtful, rigorous training that goes into preparing these human-animal relationships for success.

Let’s explore the realities of this working relationship, and figure out how the public fits in.

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
• Email [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kelly MacDonald noticed his shirt pocket was quietly disappearing, so he went out to get some important answers to his burning questions.

He visits one of his go-to clothing spots, George Richards, and talks it out with Store Manager, David Uren. Along the way, he loops in colleagues and friends, figuring out if they care as much as he does about disappearing shirt pockets.

With a bit of history (and a lot of speculation) does Kelly get satisfying answers to his questions around what's at play in men's fashion? Let's listen and find out.

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
• Email [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it really take to access joy, community, and live music when fun isn’t always accessible? Nisreen Abdel-Majid finds out.

Everyone deserves a night out, but for many people with disabilities, concerts and live events come with extra barriers most don’t see. Let’s share the joys and the frustrations of navigating a night out.

Brock Richardson, a former AMI contributor and wheelchair user, shares his perspective on accessibility at concerts and events. Amy Amantea, a passionate concert and theatre-goer who is blind, takes us through the realities of ticketing, seating, and enjoying a show in spaces not always built with everyone in mind. And Jenny C, a fellow DJ and drummer, reflects on what accessibility looks like from a performer’s perspective in GTA nightlife.

We also dig into the accessibility offerings (and shortcomings) of some of Toronto’s best-known venues, including Danforth Music Hall, Roy Thomson Hall, and Massey Hall.

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
• Email [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The further development of AI has proved to be a watershed moment for accessibility, but how concerned should users be about their privacy and data protection? Grant Hardy invites experts, users, and developers to share their perspectives on whether giving up certain levels of privacy is worth accessible software and tech. 

Mike Feir is a tech expert, and regular AI user. He tells us how AI has impacted his day to day, and the level of privacy he’s willing to give up to continue using the life-changing software. Dr. Jutta Treviranus is Director of the Inclusive Research Centre at OCAD University, and she joins us to explain how our data is used by AI, and some solutions for protecting yourself online. Winston Chen is the Developer of the app VDScan, and he introduces us to the concept of offline AI models. 

Through these conversations, Grant explores his own perspectives on internet privacy, and helps us challenge the notion that privacy should be given up in exchange for these services.

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
• Email [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Towards Just Care Project evaluates Canada’s homecare system and aims to redefine what care means for recipients of homecare and homecare workers. 

Joeita Gupta invites us to join her at a round table with guests involved in advocacy and academia within the homecare sector. 

We hear from Mary Jean Jande, the Academic Lead of the Towards Just Care Project, about how the project got started. Megan Linton, the co-lead of the Towards Just Care Project, explains some of the intricacies of the current homecare system. Jill-Anne Santiago is the Program Coordinator at the Migrants Resource Centre and provides her perspective of how the current challenges in the homecare sector affect undocumented homecare workers. Brad Evoy is Executive Director of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario, urges people with disabilities to get involved in creating a better homecare sector. And he reminds us that many homecare workers will eventually be recipients of homecare themselves. 

If you want to get involved or look at the toolkit created by the Towards Just Care Project, visit their website at towardsjustcare.com. 

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
• Email [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

St. Thomas, Ontario is commemorating the 140th anniversary of Jumbo the Elephant's death with a new exhibit detailing his life and legacy. Kelly MacDonald visits with Steve Peters, a local historian who tells us Jumbo’s story, including details of his tragic end. Curator of the JUMBOMANIA exhibit, Madeleine Howard, shares everything they’ve got going on at this fascinating exhibit dedicated to Jumbo. From the elephant’s celebrity during the 19th century to Jumbo sodas, and beyond, let’s find out why this circus elephant left his mark.

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
• Email [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Picture this: You’re out and about and you come across a barrier to persons with disabilities in the built environment. I.E. A record shop that doesn’t have a ramp out front. What can you, an average member of the community, do to get that barrier removed? Guest Reporter Jacob Shymanski and Reflections Senior Producer Matt Agnew found insightful answers to that question at Access Fest, A unique gathering of disability advocates that took place in spring 2025.
The event featured an all-star lineup of leading voices in disability rights advocacy, and we learn about their new playbook to support young disability advocates. Let’s find out how to effectively and productively get things done, from the people at the forefront of the disability rights movement.

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
• Email [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ozempic was developed with the intent to treat type 2 diabetes, but today, it’s become one of the biggest weight-loss crazes in North America. Nisreen Abdel-Majid digs into what happens when a medication meant to save lives becomes a massive cultural trend, who it affects, and how severely. We hear from Mousa Abdul Samar, Pharmacist and Manager at Deen Pharmacy, who offers a vital perspective on Ozempic’s intended use and the risks of misuse. Bill Shakleton, a retired AMI colleague living with type 2 diabetes, shares his personal journey with the drug and how the weight-loss buzz affects him directly. And Amy Amantea, an artist and accessibility advocate who's had type 1 diabetes her whole life, reflects on what it means to navigate treatment and public perception around Ozempic. Nisreen asks her guests for perspectives on who gets Ozempic, who needs it, and what we aught to pay more attention to around quick health fixes.

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
• Email [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Violence against women is an epidemic, and women with disabilities are at a much higher risk to experience intimate partner violence. 

Joeita Gupta brings us along as she learns more about the attitudinal and tangible barriers that women with disabilities face when seeking support in an abusive relationship.

We hear from Marianne Ruffin, an expert in the violence against women sector. She shares her experience with intimate partner violence, and the shortcomings in accessibility training in social services. Malvika D'Costa is a PHD candidate at Western University, and she tells us why women with disabilities are often left out of the conversation about violence against women. Lorris Herrenda, the CEO of Yellow Brick House in Toronto shares how their shelters and programs offer support to women experiencing intimate partner violence. 

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence,  you can call the Assaulted Women’s Help Line at 1-866-863-0511.

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
• Email [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 2025 IBSA Goalball American Championship that took place this July was a qualifying competition that brought together top men’s and women’s national goalball teams from across the Americas. The Paralympic Training Center in São Paulo, Brazil hosted 22 teams over 8 days of goalball competition. We follow the Canadian Men’s Goalball Team through their trip, the prep and grind it took to get to this moment, and how they maneuvered together under the pressure of high performance with a new team, new coaches, and high steaks leading up to the LA 2028 Paralympics.

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
• Email [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.