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Access Tech Live: Tech Discussions from a Disability Perspective

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Guest post by Jeff Graham

In a world where technology evolves at lightning speed, staying informed about the latest gadgets and innovations is essential. However, for individuals with disabilities, understanding how these advancements fit into their lives is even more crucial. “Access Tech Live,” a groundbreaking TV show on AMI-tv bridges this gap by exploring technology from a disability perspective.

What to Expect from Access Tech Live
Hosted by the dynamic duo of Steven Scott and Marc Aflalo, “Access Tech Live” dives into major tech news, discussing phones, tablets, and other devices while keeping in mind the question, “How would someone with a disability use it?” This unique perspective ensures that the show not only highlights new technologies but also evaluates their accessibility and practical use for people with disabilities.

Each episode features hands-on demos, thorough product reviews, and insightful discussions. The show also brings in voices from the disability community, including individuals who share how new and existing tech aids them in their daily lives. By speaking with key figures from startups to tech giants like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon, Honda, and Ford, “Access Tech Live” offers a comprehensive view of the tech landscape.

When and Where to Watch
“Access Tech Live” airs live every Thursday at noon ET on AMI-tv. If you miss the live broadcast, don’t worry—reruns are available multiple times throughout the week. Additionally, the show is streamed across all major social platforms, ensuring you can tune in from anywhere.

Bringing the Show to Major Tech Events
The show’s reach extends beyond the studio, as Steven and Marc bring “Access Tech Live” to significant events like CES, the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, and the Zero Project Conference. They also cover major industry announcements and conferences such as Apple’s WWDC, Google I/O, Microsoft Build, and more. This on-the-ground coverage provides viewers with the latest updates and exclusive interviews from the heart of the tech world.

Noteworthy Interviews from Season 1
Season 1 of “Access Tech Live” featured a stellar lineup of interviews with industry leaders and influencers, including:

  • Jay Blahnik, Head of Apple Fitness+
  • Sarah Herrlinger, Head of Accessibility at Apple
  • Christopher Patnoe, Google’s Head of Accessibility
  • Hector Minto, Dave Dame, and Jason Brommett from Microsoft’s accessibility team
  • Celine Lee from Amazon
  • Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer
  • Philip Rizcallah, CEO of Accessibility Standards Canada
  • Caroline Casey, Founder of The Valuable 500
  • Influencers like Madison Tevlin and Molly Burke
  • Game development companies, including Xbox

These conversations delve into how these leaders and companies are working to make technology more inclusive and accessible.

A Platform for Important Stories
“Access Tech Live” stands out as one of the few weekly shows dedicated to discussing technology through the lens of accessibility. By telling important stories and shining a spotlight on the work being done to level the playing field, the show addresses topics that many are hesitant to explore. The hosts ask the hard questions, ensuring that the discussions are not only informative but also transformative.

“Tech has the power to break down barriers, promote independence, and enhance accessibility, which can be life-changing for many people.” says host, Marc Alfalo. “By focusing on this perspective, I aim to raise awareness, inspire innovation, and advocate for more inclusive designs. This show is not just about showcasing technology; it’s about fostering a more inclusive society where everyone can benefit from technological advancements.”

Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a person with a disability, or someone interested in the intersection of technology and accessibility, “Access Tech Live” offers valuable insights and information. Tune in to join the conversation and see how technology can truly be inclusive for all.

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AMI-tv announces second season of Access Tech Live

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From a media release:

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is thrilled to announce the renewal of its hit AMI-tv show, Access Tech Live, for a second season. Hosted by Steven Scott and Marc Aflalo, Access Tech Live focuses on the intersection of technology and accessibility.

Following an incredibly successful first season, Access Tech Live has become a platform for important conversations about accessibility and inclusivity. The show has featured interviews with some of the biggest names in tech, including Jay Blahnik, Vice President of Fitness Technologies at Apple; Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer; Caroline Casey, founder of The Valuable 500; Google’s Head of Accessibility and Disability and Inclusion, Christopher Patnoe; and Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director of Global Accessibility at Apple; amongst many others.

Access Tech Live‘s mission is to tell tech stories from the point of view of people with disabilities and has had important conversations around Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Autism Awareness Month and Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

The show has broadcast live from locations around the globe, including CES 2024 in Las Vegas, the Zero Project Conference in Vienna, CES Unveiled in Amsterdam, the CSUN Conference in California, and, most recently, a special episode for International Albinism Awareness Day in Halifax.

“We aren’t afraid to push the boundaries on the places we go and conversations we have,” says host Steven Scott.

“Access Tech Live has connected with AMI-tv viewers in an unprecedented way,” says John Melville, Vice-President of Content Development and Operations of AMI-tv/AMI-audio. “We’re looking forward to a new season of Steven and Marc’s conversations discussing how technology can benefit people of all abilities.”

Stay tuned for more exciting discussions and interviews in the second season of Access Tech Live, only on AMI-tv. Stream past episodes for free and on demand at AMI+.

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AMI-tv announces 2024-25 production slate

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From a media release:

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is pleased to announce its 2024-25 production slate for AMI-tv and AMI+. Telling a wide range of authentic stories about Canadians in the disability community through positive portrayal, these new and returning projects promise to be favourites with viewers.

AMI is currently in production on new scripted and docuseries from Big Time Decent Productions, Canadian Content Studios, Flow Video, Summerhill Media Inc., Border2Border Entertainment, Prairie Cat Productions, Bone Vault Inc. and Catapult Pictures.

“We are thrilled to offer over 100 hours of programming to Canadians of all abilities,” said Cara Nye, Director, Content Development and Production at AMI. “The upcoming broadcast season sees the expansion of our scripted stable of shows and provides, for the very first time, a children’s series to our schedule.”

New Series

After Dark (working title) – 8 x 30 digital series
After Dark is a documentary digital series exploring sex, love, dating and relationships relevant to people with disabilities. From sex surrogacy, virginity, manufacturing ergonomically designed sex toys, and sex parties to navigating online dating and the sharing of romantic/sexual wants and needs with family and friends, After Dark dares to illuminate your world of possibilities. After Dark is produced by Border2Border Entertainment (Womb Envy, Avocado Toast, Drag Heals).

Collar of Duty Kids – 8 x 30 children’s docuseries
Collar of Duty Kids takes young viewers into the lives of amazing kids who’ve been matched with extraordinary service animals. It’s all about these brand-new partnerships and the adventures they get up to. If you are thinking just dogs, you’re in for a surprise because we are talking about creatures from parrots to pigs! Collar of Duty Kids is produced by Summerhill Media Inc. (There’s Something You Should Know, Collar of Duty) in association with Fifth Ground Entertainment.

The Crip Trip – 6 x 60 docuseries
The Crip Trip is a punk-rock, gonzo, road trip comedy following the misadventures of artist, filmmaker, and quadruple amputee Daniel Ennett and his producer/friend/caregiver Frederick Kroetsch as they drive from Edmonton to Toronto. Their goal: to secure employment for Daniel in the television industry thereby saving him from long term care. Along the way, the duo will meet with other artists in the disability community to hear their stories. The Crip Trip is produced by Catapult Pictures (The Secret Society, Blind Ambition: The Wop May Story).

Get Hooked – 7 x 30 docuseries
This isn’t your dad’s fishing show. In partnership with OutTV, Get Hooked is a fresh take on how members of the queer, Black, Indigenous and disability community turn the mental health benefits of fishing into pure joy. Get Hooked is produced by Heidi Lynch of Bone Vault Inc. (Avocado Toast, Finding Green) and will feature the British disability advocate and comedian Rosie Jones along with other diverse nature lovers. Other partners include the Bell Fund, Ontario Creates and CAMH.

Low Vision Moments (working title) – 6 x 30 scripted comedy
Based on the life of Jennie Bovard, the candid host of the AMI podcast Low Vision Moments, viewers are in for a blurry ride, as Jennie fumbles and finds her way through everyday life as a person with albinism and low vision—work, friendship, love, and waving at mailboxes. Low Vision Moments is produced by Jennie Bovard, Jonathan Torrens’ Canadian Content Studios (Vollies, Roll With It) Club Red Productions (Who’s Yer Father?, A Small Fortune) and Flow Video Inc. (DarkVision, Accessing Pleasure).

Underdog Inc. – 8 x 60 docuseries 
Underdog Inc. follows Dale Kristensen (Backroad Truckers), a Little Person, as he navigates life in a mountain town, juggles the ups-and-downs of fatherhood and runs a small business with his sister. Dale’s business, Underdog Inc., offers a variety of services to customers in the region, including backroad trucking, hotshot delivery of urgent cargo, salvage and rescue calls, construction and handyman services. Whether he’s transporting heavy loads up and down treacherous backroads or tackling a long list of repairs for demanding homeowners, Dale is making a name for himself as a trucker, handyman and all-around good guy. Most importantly, he’s showing his son—and the world—that life is not about first impressions… it’s about lasting connections. Underdog Inc. is produced by Big Time Decent Productions (Rust Valley Restorers, Backroad Truckers).

We Were Broncos – 6 x 30 docuseries
We Were Broncos is the story of Ryan Straschnitzki’s life beyond the horrific Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018. As an athlete, Ryan wanted to be a professional hockey player. But after the crash, he had to adapt to a new athletic goal of becoming a Paralympic sledge hockey player while completely changing his lifestyle. We Were Broncos is about perseverance in life and adaptive sport. We Were Broncos is produced by Prairie Cat Productions (Humboldt: The New Season, Talent).

Returning Series

Returning series include Season 2 of Access Tech Live, Season 9 of Our Community, Season 3 of Disrupt, Season 3 of Healthy at Home, Season 5 of Dish with Mary, Season 4 of Mind Your Own Business, Season 6 of Postcards From… and a brand new All Access Comedy special.

All AMI-tv originals are available post-broadcast on demand at AMI+.

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Corus Entertainment’s specialty networks welcome back 16 returning Canadian original series, plus 18 new titles for 2024/25

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From a media release:

Today, Corus Entertainment announces its complete slate of Canadian original content to premiere across its specialty networks in 2024/25. The 34 new and returning titles include new seasons from HGTV Canada‘s most trusted home and design experts, new challenges from Food Network Canada‘s best competition series, new points of view from The HISTORY Channel®‘s thoughtful docu-series and documentaries, and a fresh take on romantic comedy made-for-TV movies on W Network, plus new and beloved animated characters from Nelvana on Treehouse, YTV and Cartoon Network, appealing to families and kids of all ages. In total, Corus will deliver more than 295 episodes, movies, and specials, including 18 brand-new titles.

“Corus maintains its leadership position within the Canadian original lifestyle and factual space with our schedule of new and returning titles. With our proven formats, top-tier stars, and premium storytelling, we deliver what Canadian audiences want to see across our expansive specialty portfolio,” said Rachel Nelson, Vice President of Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios. “As our industry landscape evolves it’s more important than ever to share Canadian stories as told by Canadian voices, and we believe that this lineup delivers just that.”

Additional Corus content announcements were made this morning, including updates on new pickups for Corus’ specialty networks. For the latest updates, visit www.corusent.com.

HGTV CANADA

Canada’s #1 Lifestyle network*, HGTV Canada continues to be the home of real estate, renovation, and interior design. With four new Canadian Original series and eight returning, the network offers endless inspiration and education to audiences this upcoming broadcast year.

The Baeumlers are back as Bryan and Sarah start production on their new docu-follow series, Building Baeumler. In it, viewers will catch up with the couple as they navigate work and life following the successful launch of their Bahamas resort. Bryan and Sarah are determined to expand their evolving business and find their next big thing together. From surprising projects on the island to personal projects close to home – the Baeumlers offer an intimate look at their lives as they grow their individual and family ventures.

HGTV Canada introduces audiences to DIY designer, Kristen Coutts, in the new series Beer Budget Reno (working title). Filming this summer and casting now, Kristen delivers life-changing renos for people on a budget using money-saving hacks that transform outdated spaces into something fresh and functional. Also, in production for HGTV Canada, Rentovation helps long-term leasers upgrade and personalize their space. The new series shares innovative solutions and clever designs that provide forever-home vibes and stunning transformations. This fall, luxury designer Ali Budd delivers high-end reveals and big-budget renovations in House of Ali, Season 1.

The network’s most anticipated original series return this fall with back-to-back premieres. Fan-favourites, Sebastian Clovis and Randy Spracklin bring heart, community, and tough renovations in Season 2 of Gut Job and Season 3 of Rock Solid Builds. The ensemble cast of Hoarder House Flippers, Season 2, take on new challenges with Mactar, Issa, and Khadim Mbaye in Montreal, Heather and Nathan Porteous in Winnipeg, and a new set of flippers, Deidre Ritsche and Stephanie Bradt, from Windsor. Brother-sister duo, Billy Pearson and Carolyn Wilbrink, bring modern design to dated properties in Season 3 of Farmhouse Facelift, while the Scott Brothers return with new episodes of Don’t Hate Your House, Season 1. Canadian icon Pamela Anderson is back this winter and building on her terms in Season 2 of Pamela’s Garden of Eden. While this spring, Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni return for Season 6 of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, and Scott teams up with Bryan Baeumler again in Season 2 of the Top 20 specialty entertainment program, Renovation Resort.**

Launching today, HGTV Canada Hotline is here to help. The weekly digital series, available through HGTV Canada’s social media platforms and hgtv.ca, offers how-to advice from Canada’s home authority. The brand’s creators – experts in a diverse range of fields – answer viewer on topics big and small – from DIY projects, to organizational hacks, to financial real estate advice.

FOOD NETWORK CANADA

Canada’s #2 Lifestyle network*, Food Network Canada, features big stars, big eats, and big challenges in 2024/2025. The Top 10 specialty entertainment program***, Top Chef Canada returns for an epic Season 11 this fall with host Eden Grinshpan, judges Chef Mark McEwan, Mijune Pak, David Zilber, and Janet Zuccarini, and 10 all-new chef competitors from across Canada. Hollywood star, Pamela Anderson is joined in the kitchen by renowned chefs as she explores her passion for plant-based food and sets the table for intimate dinner parties with her friends and family in Pamela’s Cooking with Love, premiering next year. The Big Bake and Great Chocolate Showdown both return with new episodes this upcoming broadcast year, and Noah Cappe is back in Season 10 of Carnival Eats.

THE HISTORY CHANNEL

The HISTORY® Channel, a Top 10 specialty network* and destination for behind-the-scenes storytelling, premieres five new Canadian Original titles in 2024/2025. Brand-new series Yukon Rescue follows emergency response teams in Canada’s rugged north as they navigate extreme weather conditions, structure fires, avalanches, flash floods, spreading wildfires, and more to keep their communities safe.

The four-part documentary, Sounds Black, traces the origins and impact of Black Music in Canada. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Cazhhmere, with contributions from luminaries such as Kardinal Offishall, Jully Black, Fefe Dobson, Maestro Fresh Wes, Deborah Cox, Keisha Chante and more, the series explores Black Canadian music from its tangled diasporic roots to its international dominance. Kru Williams and Adam Palmer‘s adrenaline-fueled hunt for gold and Taylor Starr and father Don Froese‘s search for truth continue in Season 2 of Deadman’s Curse premiering this fall. Then, Mike, Connor, and Avery are back at the wheel in Season 5 of Rust Valley Restorers. The network delves into the paranormal with Season 1 of Repossessed, featuring a team dedicated to finding and authenticating haunted objects and intervening when the spirit won’t let go.

W NETWORK

Another Top 10 specialty network*, W Network is known for its popular offering of romantic made-for-TV movies, and starting to rollout early 2025 is the next chapter in The Love Club movie franchise, The Love Club Moms. The four-part original movie franchise, produced by Nikki Ray Media Agency, follows the romantic lives of four strong, successful women – Ashley Newbrough (Love in Glacier National: A National Park Romance), Rebecca Dalton (Nurses), Genelle Williams (Family Law), and Nazneen Contractor (Children Ruin Everything) – as they juggle motherhood with trying to find their happily ever after. The Love Club Moms also stars Ryan Bruce (Let Him Go), Corey Sevier (Take Me Back For Christmas), Mark Taylor (Beyond Black Beauty), and Joseph Cannata (A Perfect Match).

KIDS

CARTOON NETWORK

Nelvana’s award-winning short film Jelly will be making its official primetime debut this September on Cartoon Network. An inspirational modern fairy tale, Jelly explores the delicate balance between pursuing one’s passion of expressive art versus treading the financially murky waters of a soul-sucking factory job.

TREEHOUSE

Treehouse, the #1 overall Kids Specialty network with K2-11 and K2-5****, this Fall welcomes the much talked about and eagerly-awaited new series, Barney’s World, co-produced by Mattel Television and Nelvana. The CG-animated series is set in the local playground, where Barney is joined by dinos Billy and Baby Bop and their three kid best friends. Throughout silly and imaginative adventures together, Barney helps kids explore big preschool emotions and shows them how to love themselves, others, and their community.

Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! continues to delight kids with Season 28 pulling into Treehouse this year, plus a brand new one-hour holiday special, Thomas & Friends: “The Christmas Letter Express” All Engines Go!, where Percy rushes to deliver a letter so the child’s Christmas Wish comes true.

Coming later this year to Treehouse is Millie Magnificent from Nelvana, inspired by the best-selling books by Ashley Spires and Nelvana’s award-winning short film The Most Magnificent Thing. Millie Magnificent follows avid creator, problem-solver, and innovator Millie Sparks. With a load of determination and spark of imagination, Millie and her ‘creato-crew’ – best friends Ben and Maya and Millie’s adorable dog Wallace – strive to find the most magnificent solutions to their neighborhood’s challenges.

Also this fall, new episodes of Builder Brother’s Dream Factory GEAR UP and GET IT DONE on Treehouse. See more of twin brothers, Drew and Jonathan, a pair of regular kids who use their extraordinary imagination, creativity, grit and heart to help friends and solve problems by dreaming big – really big – sometimes too big! Vida The Vet™, produced by Spin Master Entertainment, also returns with new episodes, following ten-year-old Vida, an animal doctor who nurtures the charming and silly woodland creatures who live outside her home.

YTV

Zokie of Planet Ruby premieres this Fall on YTV, the #1 Commercial Kids Specialty network with K6-11.***** Ruby Studebaker and her alien BFF Zokie Sparkleby film their adventures around the town of Tres Leches. Along with their con-man friend Earl the squirrel, Ruby teaches Zokie about Earth, while Zokie tries to control his unpredictable alien powers.

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Big Time Decent Productions in production on four new unscripted originals, launches new scripted division Bread & Better Films

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From a media release:

Vancouver-based production company Big Time Decent Productions has announced that it is in production on four new docuseries and is expanding its unscripted slate to include a feature documentary, an IMAX nature documentary, and a new automotive vertical for YouTube including flagship channels Rust Bros and Wildman Garage. The company has also shared details on the launch of its new scripted division, Bread & Better Films, and a new partnership with Verve Talent and Literary Agency out of Los Angeles.

Big Time Decent Productions is currently in production on new docuseries with Corus Entertainment, as well as Bell Media. Underdog Inc., which has been greenlit by AMI, is a new docuseries following the life of Dale Kristensen, a little person raising a child while running a trucking business in small town BC. The company has also had a fourth docuseries recently greenlit by a Canadian broadcaster with a formal announcement coming soon.

“After a lot of hard work from our talented team, we are thrilled to be announcing some major company milestones. Since our launch in 2020, we have had the incredible opportunity to share fascinating stories of remarkable characters with global audiences through our unscripted content. Off the heels of this success, we look forward to continuing to expand our unscripted offering while ramping up our scripted development slate with Bread & Better Films,” said Matthew Shewchuk, Founder and Head of Production, Big Time Decent Productions. “Despite the overall state of the industry, we’ve experienced steady growth in our first four years and will continue to build on that foundation to position ourselves as a key Canadian content producer.”  

Bread & Better Films, Big Time Decent Production’s new scripted division will focus on developing and producing feature films and scripted series. The new arm launched in partnership with Big Time Decent’s René Brar and Jeff Kinnon. The company is also bringing in industry veteran Robert Vroom as Producer. Vroom has produced a wide range of feature films including Blood Quantum (2019), You Can Live Forever (2022), and several TV movies. Bread & Better Films also welcomes writer, producer, and actor Juliana Wimbles to serve as Development Producer for the new label. Bringing 20 years of industry experience, Wimbles appeared as a regular on ABC’s The Good Doctor (2019) and is a familiar talent with the Hallmark Channel, having written six feature films for the broadcaster.

“We’re incredibly excited to announce the launch of Bread & Better Films and to have Rob and Juliana joining us. Our team has deep roots in the scripted world, and we look forward to expanding that side of the business and building a robust scripted slate together,” said René Brar, Head of Development, Bread & Better Films.

After building a successful foundation in unscripted television, Big Time Decent Productions is diversifying their unscripted offering, producing a feature documentary that will take part in a festival run in the fall, as well as their first IMAX nature documentary targeting a 2025 distribution. Following the enormous success of their highly acclaimed show Rust Valley Restorers (above), the production company is finding innovative ways of bringing automotive programming to a loyal fanbase with a collection of talent-driven YouTube channels, including Rust Bros and Wildman Garage, among others. Together these channels have accumulated over 100 million views across platforms in the first half of 2024.

The company has also signed with Verve Talent and Literary Agency, one of the fastest-growing and most-reputable talent agencies in Los Angeles.

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