Ruminations on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Every year, The Zero Project seeks inclusive, innovative and scalable solutions from around the world to submit their nominations. They are then evaluated in a multi-step process that includes peer review by thousands and voting. A select number of solutions receive a Zero Project award and support through the Zero Project network. The following is a compilation of AMI-audio readers reading a brief bio for each of the winning solutions. These are the people and organizations that are truly making a difference. Originally broadcast on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, 2023.

As part of AMI-Audio’s coverage of the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we asked a group of our friends, regular contributors and employees with disabilities for their thoughts on the IDPD. More specifically, we asked: 1. What does the IDPD mean to you? 2. What are steps society can take to tangibly improve the lives of persons with disabilities? This is an audio collage, of sorts, showcasing nuanced approaches and differing opinions people within the community have towards the IDPD. Work needs to be done but it’s important to recognize the work that has been done as well as maintain an optimistic outlook.

The 30th annual Canadian Disability Hall of Fame Awards Induction Ceremony luncheon took place on October 13th, 2023, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. It was presented by The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons. The following is the podcast version of AMI-audio’s live coverage of the event. As mentioned in the broadcast, the interviews with this year’s inductees, along with one of the King Clancy Award recipients, will soon be available on The Pulse, which can be found on AMI’s YouTube channel, as well as any of your favourite podcast platforms. Link to AMI’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AccessibleMedia

The Great Valentine Gala, held every February in Toronto, is the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP)’s No. 1 fundraising event. It has raised over $35 million and has become a glittering showcase for the unheralded achievements of Canadians of all abilities. In 2023, the Gala was hosted by Suhana Meharchand, and featured the presentation of numerous awards issued to individuals and organizations. AMI-audio presented the Gala live to air on February 11, 2023. It is hosted by Dave Brown and Greg Westlake of AMI-tv, and Andy Frank of AMI-audio. Technical producers were Sam Baba and Nisreen Abdel Majid. More info here: https://www.cfpdp.com/great-valentine-gala/

AMI's Mike Ross, a Durham Region resident and supporter of the Abilities Centre in Whitby, Ont., interviews athletes, organizers and coaches that are participating in the Durham Region 2023 Ontario Parasport Games. Guests include Don Terry (0:10), James Titmarsh (5:45), Ramya Amuthan (10:35), Joe Millage (15:45), Jon Thurston (22:28), Mike Frogely (28:58) and Nico Iemma (37:01).

Coverage from the bronze and gold medal games.

Broadcasting live from the historic Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto, AMI-audio brings you the inaugural Girl's and Women's program at the Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament (2022). Hosted by Jeff Ryman, play by play by Nicco Cardarelli with colour commentary by Mike Ross and Claire Buchannan.

The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) presents a special virtual conference titled “Breaking Barriers - Making the Invisible Visible”. It focuses on the realities of living with an invisible disability. Opening Remarks: Minette Samaroo, AEBC National Vice President, AEBC Toronto Chapter President Keynote Speaker: Melanie Taddeo, author of “The Power of You” Guest Speaker: Maddy Dever, “The Language of Acceptance – Changing the Language of Autism and Disability" Panel Discussion featuring: Aime Hutton, Kevin McShan, Chantal Oakes, Dorothy Riddle Hosted by Joeita Gupta of AMI Technical Producer for AMI: Matt Agnew

The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) Toronto Chapter presents a special virtual conference titled “Together One Voice, More Choices - Don’t Leave Us Behind”. It focuses on the way the disability community has been disproportionately left behind during the pandemic. Hosted by Joeita Gupta of AMI. AEBC host Minette Samaroo Opening Remarks-Michael Prince, Professor, University of Victoria Keynote Speaker-Louise Gillis, National President, Canadian Council of the Blind Speaker-Ramya Amuthan, co-host of Kelly and Company, Accessible Media Inc. Panel Discussion featuring Rex Banks, Au. D,, Doctor of Audiology Samantha Moore, Co Chair 2019 National Young Leaders Program, Fighting Blindness Canada Alicia Grace Official, Advocate for People with Disabilities John Rae, Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians Technical Producer for AMI: Matt Agnew