AMI This Week August 29, 2022
Duration: minutes and secondsJillian Gillis speaks with long-time AMI contributor Jennie Bovard about her work at AMI, including her first job at AMI This Week.
AMI This Week is a weekly magazine show with a distinct community focus, sharing events and interesting stories from coast to coast.
AMI This Week is a weekly magazine show with a distinct community focus, sharing events and interesting stories from coast to coast.
Jillian Gillis speaks with long-time AMI contributor Jennie Bovard about her work at AMI, including her first job at AMI This Week.
Chris Vallée sits down with Lucas Haneman for a private performance as he reflects on what it has been like sharing his life and music career on AMI-tv over the past 10 years.
Grant Hardy speaks to Shawn Marsolais, who launched Blind Beginnings, a B.C. organization devoted to supporting youth who are blind and partially sighted.
Jillian Gillis speaks with long-time AMI contributor Jennie Bovard about her work at AMI, including her first job at AMI This Week.
Contributor Henry Bockstael is used to going on adventures around the world. Because of the pandemic he's had to pivot, so he shares how he's taking on new adventures and getting back out there.
Grant Hardy chats with partially sighted artist Violet Peterson about her work and advocacy.
Grant Hardy talks to us about the subtly of cats.
Jillian Gillis discovers what it takes to be a puppy raiser and how it impacts the CNIB Guide Dog program. Then, Grant Hardy chats with partially sighted artist Violet Peterson about her work and advocacy.
Shawn Marsolais offers tips when it comes to reading with her son.
CNIB is expanding their puppy raising program due to increased demand. Jillian Gillis discovers what it takes to be a puppy raiser and how it impacts the CNIB Guide Dog program.
Paralympian Greg Westlake talks about his upcoming induction into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame.
One of Canada’s most iconic landmarks is now accessible. Reporter Jillian Gillis checks out the changes. Then, Contributor Henry Bockstael shares his thoughts on what interdependence means and how he gets involved with his community.
Chris Vallée learns about the safety and accessibility updates of Ottawa’s E-Scooter Rental Program. Then, Alex Smyth explores the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons’ program working to improve disability representation on corporate boards in Canada.
We highlight some of our favourite segments from Season 10.
We highlight some of our favourite segments from Season 10.
Jillian Gillis and Grant Hardy review the ReVision Fitness App created by Tyler Merren. Then, Alex Smyth gets a lesson in using a white cane with the help of orientation and mobility specialist Anita Laurnitus.
Athlete, model and content creator Allison Lang speaks with Beth Deer about the lessons she’s learned growing up with a limb difference and how she’s using that knowledge to spread body inclusion awareness.
For 20 years, CHEO has been providing an alternative therapy, Pet Therapy, to its patients and their families as they navigate their hospital stays, treatments and recovery.
Alex Smyth gets a lesson in using a white cane with the help of BALANCE for Blind Adult’s Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Anita Laurnitus.
Jillian Gillis and Grant Hardy review the ReVision Fitness App created by Tyler Merren, an American Paralympian and personal trainer who is legally blind.
Alex Smyth discovers the programs and services offered by the BC Centre for Ability, who work to meet clients where they are at.
Grant Hardy learns about a collaboration between the CNIB, the Government of Canada, and Moneris, to create an accessible payment terminal for consumers who are blind.
AMI Contributor Alex Kronstein reviews the children’s book We Move Together, by Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire and illustrated by Eduardo Trejos, and published in 2021 by AK Press.
Grant Hardy learns about an inclusive housing opportunity in East Vancouver for neurodiverse adults, and the organization, PALS Adults Services Society, that makes it possible.
AMI This Week Contributor Shawn Marsolais opens up about feeling a loss of independence since the pandemic.
Grant Hardy learns about a collaboration between the CNIB, the Government of Canada and Moneris to create an accessible payment terminal for consumers who are blind.
Grant Hardy learns about a new adapted sit-skiing outfit developed by Eddie Bauer..
Alex Smyth gives us a sneak peek at Season 3 of AMI-tv's sports series Level Playing Field.
Beth Deer speaks with poet Dave Steele, who uses his retinitis pigmentosa as inspiration for his prolific work as the Blind Poet.
Alex Smyth gives us a sneak peek at Season 3 of AMI-tv's sports series Level Playing Field. Then, Grant Hardy learns about a new adapted sit-skiing outfit developed by Eddie Bauer.
Grant Hardy learns about the telepresence robot, some cutting-edge research aiming to make it easier for seniors in long-term care homes to keep in touch with friends and family.
Grant Hardy learns about the telepresence robot, some cutting-edge research aiming to make it easier for seniors in long-term care homes to keep in touch with friends and family.
Beth Deer talks fashion and inclusion with Kathy Heath and Lianne Cawley, a dynamic duo that created a new clothing line that has positive messaging displayed to promote positivity.
Victoria Nolan is hosting a new series about unique families in the disability community called We Are One. In Episode 5, we meet the family of Maddy Dever, a parent who is autistic and advocating for their kids, who are also autistic.
Host Alex Smyth and producer Amit Tandon talk about some of the behind-the-scenes action while they were shooting Postcards from The Rockies.
Vancouver Correspondent Shawn Marsolais shares some parenting tips on making sure family fun in the water is safe and free from worry.
Victoria Nolan is hosting a new series about unique families in the disability community called We Are One. In Episode 4, we meet the family of Mara Hutchinson, a mom, wife and social media influencer who is legally blind.
Vancouver Correspondent Shawn Marsolais shares some parenting tips on making sure family fun in the water is safe and free from worry.
We learn about Nathan Clement, a former Paralympic swimmer and aspiring Paralympic cyclist, who shares his story of triumph and adversity as he pushes for Paralympic glory.
Beth Deer and her partner, Cody, introduce us to their new daughter, Henley.
Beth Deer and her partner, Cody, introduce us to their new daughter, Henley. Then, Alex Smyth returns to The Toronto Zoo to learn about the hyena, and find out what’s so funny.
Beth Deer speaks with CNIB’s puppy raising supervisor, Andrea Critch, about how to manage bringing a baby into their lives. Then, Grant Hardy meets the founders of WAGS of SCI, a support group for women with partners with a spinal cord injury.
Victoria Nolan previews AMI’s newest series, We Are One, about families that include members of the disability community. Then in the latest instalment of Am I Right?, Canadian Paralympic swimmer-turned-cyclist Nathan Clement gives his take on recognizing para sport development.
Grant Hardy meets The Granola Kid, an entrepreneur with Down Syndrome who has turned his passion for food into a business with the support of his family. . ...
Victoria Nolan is hosting a new series about families in the disability community called We Are One. In Episode 1, we meet the family of Ollie Acosta-Pickering, a young boy who was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma and who is now legally blind.
On this instalment of Am I Right? ATW contributor and Canadian Paralympic swimmer-turned-cyclist Nathan Clement gives his take on recognizing para sport development.
Grant Hardy meets professional judo athlete Michelle Jorgensen to learn more about her and what makes her passionate for martial arts.
Jillian Gillis introduces us to The Triple Cripples, a.k.a. Jumoke Abdullahi and Kym Oliver, from London, England.
Beth Deer learns all about breastfeeding from lactation consultant Shaina Brickner.
We hit the mat with ATW contributor and Canadian Paralympic judo silver medalist Priscilla Gagné, as she shares some more tips on self-defense when you are blind.
Jillian Gillis introduces us to The Triple Cripples, a.k.a. Jumoke Abdullahi and Kym Oliver, from London, England. Then, we hit the mat with Canadian Paralympic judo silver medalist Priscilla Gagné, as she shares some self-defense tips.
ATW contributor and Canadian Paralympic judoka Priscilla Gagné shares some tips on blind self-defense.
Grant Hardy investigates the movement to make gaming and e-sports accessible and inclusive to all.
Beth Deer learns about the importance of mental health and some strategies to cope during this transition of becoming a parent from psychiatrist and visually impaired parent Dr. Ginny Duff.
Grant Hardy investigates the movement to make gaming and e-sports accessible and inclusive to all. Vancouver Correspondent Shawn Marsolais shares some tips on adapting fun family games to make them more inclusive.
Vancouver Correspondent Shawn Marsolais shares some tips on adapting fun family games to make them more inclusive.
Halifax Reporter Jillian Gillis offers tips on how she maintains her mental health and well-being. Then, Alex Smyth heads to the Toronto Zoo to learn about one of the most colourful birds in the animal kingdom, the flamingo!
Alex Smyth heads to the Toronto Zoo to learn about one of the most colourful birds in the animal kingdom, the flamingo!
Beth Deer speaks with Nina Tame about her life as a parent who is a member of the disability community, and how she manages other people’s perceptions of her.
Halifax Reporter Jillian Gillis offers tips on how she maintains her mental health and well-being.
Grant Hardy finds out more about Mission Possible, a social enterprise in Vancouver’s downtown east side to help marginalized residents break the cycle of poverty through paid work experience, hot meals, employment training, and many other services.
Meet April Hubbard, the host of In Focus, a brand-new series premiering on AMI-tv. Then, Grant Hardy finds out more about Mission Possible, a social enterprise in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
We meet April Hubbard, the host of In Focus, a brand-new series premiering this week on AMI-tv.
Beth Deer speaks with Victoria Nolan about all the preparation involved with when she brings her newborn home from the hospital.
Kevin Naidoo shares some tools and tips for better eye health.
This week, we visit North End Baking Co. and Café, a new social enterprise run by Prescott Group in Halifax offering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities job training and more.
Grant Hardy checks out Project Fire Flower, an arts exhibition that makes the beauty of fireworks accessible to the touch.
The North End Baking Co. and Café, a new social enterprise run by Prescott Group in Halifax, is offering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities job training and more.
Dave Brown shares his thoughts on the importance of the series AMI This Week in honour of its 10th anniversary.
Victoria Nolan profiles Halifax Bureau Reporter Jillian Gillis.
Grant Hardy learns about the inaccessible ArriveCAN app used by Canadian Border Services to control the spread of COVID-19, and meets an advocate from the blind community fighting to have it changed.
Chris Vallée meets Jessica Baird, a young woman with an auto-immune disorder who is sharing love and spreading awareness of chronic illnesses with The Sock Project.
Alex Smyth heads to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital to learn about a program designed to help those from the disability community find meaningful employment.
Grant Hardy learns about the inaccessible ArriveCAN app used by Canadian Border Services to control the spread of COVID-19, and meets an advocate from the blind community fighting to have it changed.
All aboard! AMI This Week correspondent Travis Murao checks out CharterAbility, an accessible boat charter based in Oakville Ontario.
Chris Vallée meets Zoey Schvan, a mentor and entrepreneur who is creating space for business to meet accessibility.
AMI This Week Correspondent Shawn Marsolais returns with another parenting tip, and shares how she discovered the joys of baking with her son.
In this ATW 10th Anniversary Moment, Gary Steeves recalls some of his favourite stories.
All aboard! AMI This Week correspondent Travis Murao checks out CharterAbility, an accessible boat charter based in Oakville Ontario. Then, Chris Vallée meets Zoey Schvan, a mentor and entrepreneur who is creating space for business to meet accessibility.
Beth Deer learns about the importance of having a birthing plan by speaking to a labour and delivery nurse, and Victoria Nolan.
Grant Hardy meets Christina Martin, a singer/songwriter from Nova Scotia who commissioned an accessible, described music video for her new single, “Stay with Me.” Then, Mary Mammoliti shares her recipe for flourless chocolate cake.
Mary Mammoliti shares her recipe for flourless chocolate cake.
Jillian Gillis learns how ADHD coaching helps neuro-diverse adults stay on track in their studies and career.
Grant Hardy meets Christina Martin, a singer/songwriter from Nova Scotia who commissioned an accessible, described music video for her new single, “Stay with Me.”
Beth Deer learns how Regina’s Fire & Protective Services began a new Autism Alert Initiative to help better serve their community.
Alex Smyth gets to know Wheelchair Rugby Paralympian, and new AMI This Week correspondent, Travis Murao.
AMI contributor Laura Bain talks about her experiences with accessibility, accommodations, and advocacy as a graduate student with a disability.
Kevin Naidoo discusses the importance of finding your breath when managing your mental health.
AMI contributor Laura Bain talks about her experiences with accessibility, accommodations, and advocacy as a graduate student with a disability. Then, Alex Smyth gets to know Wheelchair Rugby Paralympian, and new AMI This Week correspondent, Travis Murao.
Meet Henry Bockstael, who started a YouTube channel, Troubleshooting with Henry, to provide tips and tricks on how to troubleshoot your way through life.
Vancouver’s Grant Hardy learns about a new armed cycle controller in use at the Physical Activity Research Centre (PARC), providing gaming and physical fitness to members with spinal cord injuries.
Beth Deer reveals that she is pregnant and shares some advice to expecting mothers based on her own journey.
Jillian Gillis checks out The North Grove Community Farm in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where people come together to grow, cook, share, and advocate for good food and a fair food system.
Alex Smyth visits the set of the upcoming AMI original series, Fashion Dis, and meets the cast and crew behind the new show.
Beth Deer meets an Edmonton mother who started her own business selling inclusive and developmental kits to build awareness about children with disabilities. Then, we meet Angela Waldick, believed to be the first legally blind team photographer in sports history.
Beth Deer meets Meranda, an Edmonton mother who started her own business selling inclusive and developmental kits to build awareness about children with disabilities.
In this ATW 10th Anniversary Moment, Alex Smyth and his crew talk about their favourite segment, Animal Class!
We meet Angela Waldick, believed to be the first legally blind team photographer in sports history.
Alex Smyth learns about the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s new para sport mini figurine. Released as part of the Para Expansion Pack, it’s a fun initiative that brings disability representation to a toy loved by millions around the world.
Dartmouth filmmaker, autistic activist and AMI Contributor Alex Kronstein reviews the book Communication Alternatives in Autism: Perspectives on Typing and Spelling Approaches for the Nonspeaking, edited by Edlyn Vallejo Peña.
The Ronald McDonald House is a safe place for families to find respite while children are undergoing treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Alex Smyth learns about the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s new para sport mini figurine. Released as part of the Para Expansion Pack, a fun initiative that brings disability representation to a toy loved by millions around the world.
Beth Deer meets Niek (Nick) Theelen, a young stand-up comic and entertainer from Red Deer, Alberta, who has produced a documentary on the disabled athletic community in Alberta.
Jillian Gillis rappels a building as part of CNIB Nova Scotia’s first-ever Over the Edge fundraiser. Then, Beth Deer learns about the National accessArts Centre in Calgary, a planned $12 million multidisciplinary disability arts campus that has the local arts community excited.
Alex Smyth learns about the fastest land animal in the world at the Toronto Zoo.
Chris Vallée learns about a national movement to make trick or treating more accessible for children in the disability community. And, Alex Smyth learns about the fastest land animal in the world while at the Toronto Zoo.
Chris Vallée learns about a national movement to make trick or treating more accessible for children in the disability community.
Halifax Reporter Jillian Gillis reminds everyone that the term “blindness” covers a spectrum of visual disabilities and individual experiences.
Jillian Gillis profiles Steven Poole, a.k.a. Shayla Shenanigans, one of Nova Scotia’s most prominent drag queens about life, being legally blind, the joy of performing and the importance of giving back to the community.
Beth Deer meets Brian Bushway, an entrepreneur who is blind and teaching sighted and non-sighted athletes that with proper brain training and sensory awareness, their performances can far exceed their expectations.
Jillian Gillis profiles Steven Poole, a.k.a. Shayla Shenanigans, one of Nova Scotia’s most prominent drag queens about life, being legally blind, the joy of performing and the importance of giving back to the community.
Vancouver’s Grant Hardy learns about a special mobile classroom launched by the Learning Disabilities Society (LDS), which travels around to communities in need to provide learning support for students with special needs.
Molly Burke shares her thoughts on the importance of shows like AMI This Week.
Christopher Vallée learns about Nature for All, an initiative to make spaces like the Baxter Conservation Area—150 hectares of pristine nature—an accessible “gold standard” nature attraction in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
Accessibility advocate, and new dad, Marco Pasqua talks about his anxieties leading up to fatherhood and how he and his wife have taken an inclusive approach to the baby’s nursery so that he can be fully involved in caring for their new addition: baby Stella.
Contributor Kevin Naidoo shares his thoughts on headaches and a technique for improving them.
Beth Deer learns about Jake, a service dog in Airdrie, Alberta, who plays an important role comforting children who testify in court about traumatic experiences.
Beth Deer learns about Jake, a service dog who plays an important role comforting children who testify in court about traumatic experiences. Then, Marco Pasqua talks about how he and his wife have taken an inclusive approach to their baby’s nursery.
The Vale: Shadow of the Crown is out! Alex Smyth talks to the team behind the project, as well as Steve Saylor, a gamer who is blind, to find out his thoughts on the blind-accessible game.
AMI Contributor Tomi Adesina learns a new recipe for jollof rice, the popular and much-loved West African dish, from Frances Dadin-Alli of Franyz Kitchen Nigerian Cuisine.
Christopher Vallée meets Paul Knoll, an artist with Down Syndrome who creates vibrant art projects with the support of LiveWorkPlay.
The Vale: Shadow of the Crown is out! Alex Smyth talks to the team behind the project, as well as Steve Saylor, a gamer who is blind, to find out his thoughts on the blind-accessible game.
In this moment celebrating ATW's 10th anniversary, Kelly MacDonald recalls driving AMI CEO David Errington around a rally track for a segment.
Grant Hardy chats with reachAbility’s CEO, Tova Sherman, about some of the challenges in traveling with a disability, and what she is doing to address them.
AMI Contributor April Hubbard checks out the accessible wheelchair course at the OnTree Fun & Adventure Park in Windsor, Nova Scotia.
We learn about Rocky Mountain Adaptive, a registered charity in Canmore, Alberta, making outdoor sport and recreation accessible for all.
AMI Contributor April Hubbard checks out the accessible wheelchair course at the OnTree Fun & Adventure Park in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Then, we learn about Rocky Mountain Adaptive, a registered charity in Canmore, Alberta, making outdoor sport and recreation accessible for all.
Hillary McKibbin was born with a one-in-a-million blood disorder, which started a movement to get Canadians to join the stem cell registry.
Chris Vallée learns about a new on-the-go day program in Ottawa that operates year-round for adults with exceptionalities.
Halifax AMI-tv contributor Alex Kronstein reviews the book “Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish their Parents Knew about Growing up, Acceptance and Identity,” edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon daVanport and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu.
Vancouver’s Grant Hardy learns about LOAF—Local Open Access Fridge—a grassroots community initiative that aims to organize a community-maintained fridge and pantry to offer easily accessible, free and healthy food to all who need it.
Alex Smyth learns about the CNIB’s future plans surrounding SmartLife Centres, including the newest location opening in Barrie.
Alex Smyth learns about the CNIB’s future plans surrounding SmartLife Centres, including the newest location opening in Barrie.
Alex Smyth shares his thoughts about getting back into field production, along with some of the stories he’s working on this season.
Grant Hardy finds out about a new Braille code that was created to preserve the endangered Sm'algyax First Nations dialect, and the remarkable individuals who made it happen.
CNIB’s annual guide dog month is taking place all of September, and Beth Deer finds out what the organization has planned this year.
Jillian Gillis tags along on a trishaw ride with Mad Shea and reports on the new Cycling Without Age program at Northwood, a long-term care organization in Halifax.
On this special episode of AMI This Week, we’re celebrating our 10-year anniversary with members of the ATW team, both past and present.
One of Canada’s most iconic landmarks is now accessible. Reporter Jillian Gillis checks out the changes.
Contributor Henry Bockstael shares his thoughts on what interdependence means and how, as a young man with autism, he gets involved in his community to make it a better place.
Christen Roos’ TikTok account @lifewithshortarms is a series of entertaining videos that shows Christen doing everyday chores. Her hope is to inform and inspire others by simply living her life as she knows it.
Chris Vallée learns about the safety and accessibility updates of Ottawa’s E-Scooter Rental Program and wonders if the city has done enough to address the concerns of Ottawa’s disability community.
Alex Smyth explores the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons’ program working to improve disability representation on corporate boards in Canada.
Victoria Nolan is hosting a new series about unique families in the disability community called We Are One. In Episode 3, we meet the family of Emery Gelissen, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Alex Smyth returns to The Toronto Zoo to learn about the hyena and find out what’s so funny.
Beth Deer has a conversation with CNIB’s puppy raising supervisor, Andrea Critch, about how to manage this new transition of bringing a new baby into both their lives.
Grant Hardy meets the founders of WAGS of SCI, a support group for women with partners with a spinal cord injury.
Victoria Nolan is hosting a new series about unique families in the disability community called We Are One. In Episode 2, we meet the family of Meredith Graham, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
ATW contributor Priscilla Gagné spends the day with the folks at the CARE Centre in Montreal to learn how they provide service for people with disabilities who have aged out of the school system.
Beth Deer reveals that she is pregnant and shares some advice to expecting mothers based on her own journey. Then, Alex Smyth visits the set of the upcoming AMI-tv original series, Fashion Dis, and meets the cast and crew behind the new show.
Chris Vallée tells us what he loves most about AMI This Week.
Grant Hardy learns about the Rescued Food Market and the Food Stash Foundation that runs it, helping Vancouverites who are dealing with food insecurity through grassroots community services.
Beth Deer learns about the National accessArts Centre in Calgary, a planned $12 million multidisciplinary disability arts campus that has the local arts community very excited.
Jillian Gillis rappels down a building as part of CNIB Nova Scotia’s first-ever Over the Edge fundraiser.
CNIB’s annual Guide Dog Month is taking place in September, and Beth Deer finds out what the organization has planned. Then, Grant Hardy learns about a new Braille code created to preserve the endangered Sm'algyax First Nations dialect.