Episodes

  • Blindness & Technology - YouTuber Sam Seavey

    Blindness & Technology - YouTuber Sam Seavey
    Jul 20 2024
    This week Joeita speaks to blind YouTuber Sam Seavey, creator of the Blind Life YouTube channel.HighlightsBlindness & 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 SeaveySam 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, WIREDMagazine, 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 PulseOn 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 AMIAMI 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.caConnect on Twitter @AccessibleMediaOn Instagram @accessiblemediaincOn Facebook at @AccessibleMediaIncOn TikTok @accessiblemediaincEmail feedback@ami.ca
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    28 mins
  • Desiring Autism and Neurodivergence Symposium

    Desiring Autism and Neurodivergence Symposium
    Jul 13 2024
    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’sPatty 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 PulseOn 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 AMIAMI 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.caConnect on Twitter @AccessibleMediaOn Instagram @accessiblemediaincOn Facebook at @AccessibleMediaIncOn TikTok @accessiblemediaincEmail feedback@ami.ca
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    28 mins
  • Disability & Film Production (Part 2) - Blind Filmmaker James Rath

    Disability & Film Production (Part 2) - Blind Filmmaker James Rath
    Jul 6 2024

    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
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    28 mins
  • Disability & Film Production (Part 1) - Ophira Calof, Disabled Producers Lab

    Disability & Film Production (Part 1) - Ophira Calof, Disabled Producers Lab
    Jun 29 2024
    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. HighlightsDisability 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 PulseOn 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 AMIAMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians ...
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    30 mins
  • Sexuality, Disability & Caregivers - Sex Educator Rachele Manett

    Sexuality, Disability & Caregivers - Sex Educator Rachele Manett
    Jun 15 2024
    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.HighlightsOpening 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 AMISee 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 LabThe 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 PulseOn 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 AMIAMI 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.caConnect on Twitter @AccessibleMediaOn Instagram @accessiblemediaincOn Facebook at @AccessibleMediaIncOn TikTok @accessiblemediaincEmail feedback@ami.ca
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    28 mins
  • Disability & Self-Defence - Martial Artist Jim Turk

    Disability & Self-Defence - Martial Artist Jim Turk
    Jun 8 2024

    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
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    30 mins
  • Dramatizing Blindness - Devon Healey

    Dramatizing Blindness - Devon Healey
    Jun 1 2024

    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
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    33 mins
  • Do We Need a National Disability Insurance Plan?

    Do We Need a National Disability Insurance Plan?
    May 25 2024
    Joeita speaks to Hubert van Niekirk, Executive Director of Every Canadian Counts, about a campaign to create a National Disability Insurance Plan in Canada. HighlightsOpening 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 BioHubert Van Niekerk, Interim Executive Director of Every Canadian CountsEducator 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 PulseOn 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 AMIAMI 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.caConnect on Twitter @AccessibleMediaOn Instagram @accessiblemediaincOn Facebook at @AccessibleMediaIncOn TikTok @accessiblemediaincEmail feedback@ami.ca
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    30 mins