The Pulse

We speak with Arthur Pressick, the general manager of the Toronto Blind Jays. He discusses the history and describes the game of beep baseball for blind and low vision players. He also chats about his team’s qualifications for the 2018 Beep Baseball World Series in Wisconsin and tells us how the community can support the sport.

This is the July 9, 2018 episode.

We catch up with Mark DeMontis, a former PC Candidate with vision loss. He shares his experiences running in the 2018 Ontario elections for the York South-Weston region. He also tells us about his latest initiative with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Canada and chats about his love for blind hockey.  

This is the July 6, 2018 episode.

The world’s largest convention for the blind and partially sighted community is taking place this week in Orlando, Florida. Chris Danielsen is the director of public relations for the National Federation of the Blind. He tells us all about their 78th annual convention that hosts a series of special talks, events, and workshops. Plus, we check in with past guests, Nick D’Ambrosio and Jeff Thompson at the event.

This is the July 5th, 2018 episode.

We continue our Pride celebrations with Lauren Appelbaum and Eric Ascher from RespectAbility. Lauren is the organization's communications director and Eric is a communications fellow in with the organization's National Leadership Program.

They discuss the intersection of disability and sexuality. They also explore issues of identity, sex education, and poverty within the LGBTQ+ disability community.

This is the July 4, 2018.

We speak to artistic director Traci Foster and associate artistic director John Loeppky from the Listen to Dis Community arts organization in Regina. They discuss the use of theatre for advocacy. They also describe their latest play, which explores the stigma around disability, sex, and relationships.

This is the July 3, 2018 episode.

Ahead of the Canada Day long weekend, we chat about our favourite craft and commercial brews. We discuss the positive economic and social effects that craft breweries can have on communities across the country. And, we talk about the best places to go to crack open a cold one.

This is the June 29, 2018 episode.

We all have universal rights, regardless of our abilities. We have the right to be included in the worlds of education and employment. We also have the right to live independently. So how do we lay a foundation for inclusion and success? And how do we support people along their path?

Helen Cowie is the CEO of the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary. She tells us about the organization's range of programs, scholarships, and services for people with developmental disabilities, from childhood to adulthood.

This is the June 28, 2018 episode.

Language is a powerful tool. It can influence the way we perceive society. But sometimes, that language can be misleading, derogatory and degrading.  

Jennie Bovard is an AMI Community Reporter. She discusses the importance of changing the language and narrative around disability. She also shares her opinions on the “A” word used to describe albinism.

This is the June 27, 2018 episode.

"The city of Montreal is more than 375 years old, making it one of the oldest cities in North America. But despite its historic beauty and cultural legacy, issues of accessibility arise. So, how can we make an older city more inclusive?

Mariloue Daudier is the project coordinator for Enable Montreal. She tells us about their current projects and proposals that seek to improve buildings, roads, sidewalks, transit, and IT development in the city of Montreal.

This is the June 21, 2018 episode.

discusses their projects and proposals to make Montreal more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.

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"Fan convention and expo season is upon us. It’s a time for fans to share their passion of films, comics, art, and pop culture. Where does fan culture come from and what are those conventions like?

Melanie Emile is a gaming journalist and a mega fan at heart. She takes us into the world of fan culture and chats about some of her favourite cons and expos. She also shares her experiences with accessibility.

This is the June 20, 2018 episode.