Tag Archives: Mind Your Own Business

AMI-tv announces new and returning original series to its sizzling summer schedule

From a media release:

Summer programming at Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is hotter than ever! Today, AMI-tv unveiled new and returning original series to entertain and inform Canadians of all abilities in the coming weeks.

It all begins with the debut of The Squeaky Wheel: Canada, the eight-episode satirical, half-hour news format which pokes fun at the ableist society people with disabilities face every day.

Returning series include Season 4 of the Canadian Screen Award nominated By Hook or By Cook, Season 2 of Breaking Character and a special episode of Mind Your Own Business filmed before a studio audience.

And, the new AMI-tv series Got Game explores coming-of-age in a board game café as six youths with disabilities share their stories in a round table discussion while playing inclusive tabletop games.

Highlights of AMI-tv’s upcoming summer programming include:

June

The Squeaky Wheel: Canada debuts Monday, June 24, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+

Be Loud. Be Disabled. Be Squeaky. Based on Steven Verdile’s popular web publication The Squeaky WheelThe Squeaky Wheel: Canada is an eight-episode satirical, half-hour news format which pokes fun at the ableist society people with disabilities face every day. Directed by Lucy Belgum and Tobi Abdul, the series stars Graham Kent and Gaitrie Persaud as lead anchors Grant Gewürztraminer and Arianna Salara. The ensemble cast of Margaret Rose, Samantha Wyss, Sivert Das, Wesley Magee-Saxton and Yousef Kadoura are on the scene, ready to take on absurd situations and characters, including flipping the script and embodying obnoxious able-bodied/neurotypical personalities. The Squeaky Wheel: Canada is produced by Hitsby Entertainment.

By Hook or By Cook returns Friday, June 28, at 9 p.m. Eastern to AMI-tv and AMI+

Bruce Cook (above) has dedicated the past 10 years to showing others what is possible, performing under the spotlight and proving to himself that his accident happened for a reason. He has accomplished more than he imagined post injury, establishing a foundation that allows others the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones. But what about his own? As the spotlights begin to fade, and Bruce’s life falls into a rhythm, he finds himself conflicted by who he wants to be, who he thought he would be and who he really is. This season will find Bruce on his way to accepting and coming to terms with who he really is after 10 years in a wheelchair. Watch the Season 4 trailer nowBy Hook or By Cook is produced by Render Digital Media.

July

Breaking Character returns Tuesday, July 9, at 9 p.m. Eastern to AMI-tv and AMI+

Breaking Character is the first documentary series to explore the entertainment industry from the perspective of performers with disabilities. It comes at a critical time when the industry has finally started to recognize disability as the missing link of inclusivity. We capture the ups and downs of building careers while also fighting the battle for representation. The message is simple: talent is there; now it’s time for the talent to get opportunities. In Season 2, four new faces continue the fight to find a place for themselves and their circle. Breaking Character is produced by Winterhouse Films.

Mind Your Own Business: Then, Now and Next debuts Friday, July 26, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+

In this special, host Kevin Shaw and the business mentors welcome four entrepreneurs from past seasons. They’ll reveal how their businesses are doing and take questions from a studio audience. Mind Your Own Business: Then, Now and Next is produced by Apple Orchard Productions.

August

Got Game debuts Monday, August 14, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+

Got Game explores coming-of-age in a board game café as six youths with disabilities share their stories in a round table discussion while playing inclusive tabletop games. Got Game provides an outlet for youth with disabilities to share their feelings, frustrations, triumphs, ambitions, and general outlook on life with a disability. But it is not about defining these individuals by their disability; it’s about recognizing the individualism of these youth aside from their disability. Got Game is produced by Mountain Road Productions.

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

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AMI announces winter 2024 debut and premiere dates on AMI-tv and AMI+

From a media release:

Today, AMI unveiled new and returning original series on AMI-tv and AMI+ to entertain and inform Canadians of all abilities in the coming months.

It all kicks off with The Kelly & Ramya Prime Time Special, which celebrates AMI’s long-running daily program. Additional new programming includes One More Time, starring stand-up comedian D.J. Demers; All-Access Comedy, hosted by D.J. Demers and featuring Canadian stand-up comedians from the disability community; and Season 1 and 2 of Push, which takes audiences into the inner world of the “Wheelie Peeps,” an unlikely group of friends and wheelchair users.

Returning programming includes Season 3 of Mind Your Own Business, where entrepreneurs in the disability community aim to take their businesses to the next level; and Season 4 of Dish with Mary, which finds home cook Mary Mammoliti, who is partially sighted, travelling across Canada where she chats with, and cooks alongside, this country’s hottest chefs.

December

The Kelly & Ramya Prime Time Special debuts Friday, December 29, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv, AMI-audio and on AMI+

Filmed before a live audience at The Great Hall in Toronto, The Kelly & Ramya Prime Time Special celebrates AMI’s landmark daily program with special guests, live music from The Lucas Haneman Express, a stand-up performance from Dan Barra-Berger and, of course, hosts Kelly MacDonald and Ramya Amuthan. The Kelly & Ramya Prime Time Special is produced by Apple Orchard Productions.

January

Mind Your Own Business returns Wednesday, January 3, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+

Hosted by Kevin Shaw and with the help of mentors, entrepreneurs in the disability community aim to take their businesses to the next level. Businesses featured in Season 3 include Liberty Co consultants, Glass Brothers Construction Inc., Friendly Roads Mobility Service and Country Fields Beekeeping Supplies. Mind Your Own Business is produced by Apple Orchard Productions.

Dish with Mary returns Thursday, January 4, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+

An all-new season of Dish with Mary finds home cook Mary Mammoliti, who is partially sighted, travelling across Canada where she chats with, and cooks alongside, this country’s hottest chefs. Among the chefs and locations Mary visits in Season 4 include Chef Sterling Marsh in Kamloops, B.C., Chef Marylyn Tan in Montreal, and Chef Jordanne Tait in in Saint John. Dish with Mary is produced by Frank Digital.

One More Time debuts Tuesday, January 9, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+

From creator and standup comedian D.J. Demers (The Tonight Show, Conan) and showrunner Jessie Gabe (Workin’ Moms, Mr. D), One More Time is a workplace comedy about a fictionalized and heightened version of D.J. (played by Demers) as the manager, who is hard of hearing, of a second-hand sporting goods store, and the team of “hard-working” employees he leads. D.J.’s optimistic, community-oriented outlook on life is challenged at every turn as he and his team struggle to keep the small independent shop alive. One More Time is a CBC original comedy series produced by Counterfeit Pictures in partnership with AMI.

Push, Season 1, debuts Monday, January 15, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Push is a CBC original unscripted series that takes audiences into the inner world of the “Wheelie Peeps,” an unlikely group of friends and wheelchair users, bonded by their shared experience of navigating life on wheels. They are former exotic dancers, mothers, concert pianists, self-proclaimed “rednecks” and more. Whether it’s growing a family, fighting social stigma, or jumping back into the dating pool, this determined group of friends is working together to prove that even though their mobility may be limited, their lives and dreams are most certainly not. Season 1 of Push is produced by Fenix Film & Television and Small Army Entertainment in partnership with CBC.

February

All-Access Comedy debuts Friday, February 9, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+

All-Access Comedy is a stand-up special like no other, with comedians from the disability community coming together to celebrate their unique outlook on life for a packed audience of all abilities delivered in a venue with technology making it inclusive for all. Hosted by D.J. Demers, this one-hour special features performances by Courtney Gilmour, Tanyalee Davis, Ahren Belisle and Ryan Lachance. All-Access Comedy is produced by Halifax Comedy Fest and Premiere Entertainment Group.

March

Push, Season 2, returns Monday, March 18, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+

Pulling back the veil on life as a wheelchair user, Push once again takes audiences into the inner world of the “Wheelie Peeps,” an unlikely group of friends bonded by their shared experience of life on wheels. From the logistics and stigmas of sex with a fellow wheelchair user, to navigating new motherhood as a “quad mom”, to facing the people and places who knew them pre-injury, Season 2 has the peeps confronting their past, facing their demons and supporting new members of the group through the early days of wheelchair life. Season 2 of Push is produced by Fenix Film & Television and Small Army Entertainment in partnership with CBC and AMI.

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AMI-tv announces its fall 2023 programming schedule

From a media release:

Today, AMI unveiled its AMI-tv schedule for the 2023-24 fall broadcast season, with a lineup of exciting new and returning AMI originals available in described video for the blind, partially sighted and disability community in Canada.

In addition to new seasons of AMI-tv’s live daily shows, NOW with Dave Brown and Kelly and Ramya, AMI invites viewers to join host Bobbi Janzen for a new crop of accessible exercises in Healthy at Home, engage in technology conversations through Access Tech Live, and learn about those who demonstrate a desire to help drive positive social change through sport in Level Playing Field.

“AMI-tv’s robust fall schedule has something for everyone,” says John Melville, Vice President of Content Development and Operations, AMI. “From health and technology to sport and entrepreneurs and our daily live shows, we’re spotlighting and furthering the conversation on disability.”

Highlights of AMI-tv’s fall schedule include:

NOW with Dave Brown – weekdays at 9 a.m. Eastern
Join veteran broadcaster Dave Brown, weekdays at 9 a.m. Eastern, as he discusses the latest news, entertainment, sports and current events through a disability lens.

Kelly and Ramya – weekdays at 2 p.m. Eastern
Airing weekdays at 2 p.m. Eastern, Kelly and Ramya gives a dynamic and compelling voice to the disability experience in Canada. Stay tuned for more information later this fall regarding a special primetime broadcast of Kelly and Ramya’s annual holiday party.

Healthy at Home – Season 2 returns Wednesday, September 6, at 7 p.m. Eastern
Fitness instructor Bobbi Janzen guides viewers through an hour-long home workout that tones and strengthens for everyday living. Bobbi gives step-by-step detailed instruction that focuses on the muscle groups overused when using a white cane or guide dog, fitness advice for wheelchair users, and overall tips for better health.

Access Tech Live – Season 1 debuts Thursday, September 14, at Noon Eastern
As previously announced, Access Tech Live is a live weekly broadcast, hosted by Marc Aflalo and Steven Scott, that promises an interactive experience for viewers and the ability to cover technology news as it unfolds.

Level Playing Field – Season 4 returns Tuesday, October 3, at 9:30 p.m. Eastern
Hosted by Paralympian Greg Westlake (Para Sport Update, above), Level Playing Field introduces viewers to the athletes, community groups, healthcare professionals and grassroots innovators who demonstrate a desire to help drive positive social change through sport. Among the athletes featured in Season 4 are Para athletics sprinter Marissa Papaconstantinou, Para climber Chaz Misuraca and Toronto Raptors’ star Pascal Siakam’s generous donations to the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Disrupt – Season 2 returns Monday, October 23, at 9 p.m. Eastern
Hosted by the charismatic Taylor Olson, Disrupt showcases music, short films, poetry, animation, spoken word, comedy, dance, puppetry and other mediums, with a disability-first punk rock attitude. Disrupt also features members of the disability community working in such key production roles as production manager, writer, assistant editor, assistant director, composer, assistant production designer and camera and sound assistants.

Mind Your Own Business – Season 3 returns, Wednesday, November 15, at 9 p.m. Eastern
Hosted by Kevin Shaw and with the help of mentors, entrepreneurs in the disability community aim to take their businesses to the next level. Businesses featured in Season 3 include Liberty Co consultants, Glass Brothers Construction Inc., Friendly Roads Mobility Service and Country Fields Beekeeping Supplies.

All dates subject to change. Additional fall programming will be announced in the coming weeks. Stream past episodes of AMI original programming on demand post-broadcast on AMI.ca or via the AMI-tv App.

About AMI-tv
AMI-tv is the world’s first television network to broadcast all programs with open format described video for individuals who are blind or partially sighted and is broadcast daily into more than eight million Canadian homes as part of the basic digital cable package with most service providers. AMI-tv is committed to broadcasting a variety of content with a focus on accessibility and inclusion.

About Accessible Media Inc.
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 accessible media, reflection and portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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Spring has sprung! AMI-tv announces new and returning original series and documentaries to celebrate the season

From a media release:

Spring is here, and with it comes warmer weather and flowers in bloom. Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is marking the season with new and returning original series and documentaries on AMI-tv to help viewers shake off the cold.

From discussing the misconceptions surrounding the sex lives of people with a disability in That Sex Show to new episodes of the ground-breaking Fashion Dis and Mind Your Own Business, AMI-tv offers a bouquet of programming for all Canadians.

Highlights of AMI-tv’s upcoming spring programming include:

April

That Sex Show debuts Wednesday, April 19, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Hosted by sex educator Rachele Manett, That Sex Show is a deep dive into the intersection of sex and disability. Join Rachele as she meets with experts and members of the disability community to discuss the myths and misconceptions surrounding the sex lives of people with a disability. That Sex Show is produced by Ocean Entertainment.

May

Disrupt debuts Tuesday, May 2, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Fast-paced, experimental and accessible, Disrupt showcases music, short films, poetry, animation, spoken word, comedy, dance, puppetry and other mediums, with a disability-first punk rock attitude. Produced by Rachel Bower Productions, Disrupt also features members of the disability community working in such key production roles as production manager, writer, assistant editor, assistant director, composer, assistant production designer and camera and sound assistants.

Fashion Dis returns Wednesday, May 3, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Hosted by Ardra Shephard, Season 2 of Fashion Dis celebrates the head-to-toe overhaul of a frustrated style seeker discouraged by an industry that lacks adaptive options. Utilizing innovative fashion design and transformative beauty techniques provided by partner companies, the Fashion Dis expert team reveals the latest in fashion-forward thinking and shows those ready to rock their best body exactly how to do it. Returning experts for Season 2 of Fashion Dis is makeup artist Bella Strange, hair stylist Susan Shipley, style expert Izzy Camilleri and art director Melonie Lawrence; Alkan Emin joins the team as the professional photographer.

Returning partners to Fashion Dis include Guide Beauty, June Adaptive, ByAcre, Rollz, MagnaReady, BILLY Footwear, Liberare, Slick Chicks and Cheekbone Beauty. New Fashion Dis partners include Will & Well, BeedleBug, Consonant Skincare, Elba London, Aille Design, MIGA Swimwear, Blue Dahlia, The Vault By Volpe Beringer, Chamiah Dewey Fashion, It Actually Fits, Auf Augenhoehe, Crease Piece, Deafmetal, Amaterasu Beauty, Sweet LeiLani, Elate Beauty, EazyHold, Roncy Packs, Ambutech and Sahajan. Fashion Dis is produced by Nikki Ray Media.

Womb Envy debuts Wednesday, May 10, on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App

Created by Toronto drag artist Champagna, the previously announced web series Womb Envy is a story of second chances and inclusion. When a gay party boy’s estranged small-town best friend shows up expecting him to play baby daddy, even a lover who is partially sighted and an imaginary drag queen can’t stop his womb envy. Two episodes will be released weekly on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App. Womb Envy is produced by Border2Border Entertainment.

Aging in Place airs Thursday, May 25, at 7 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

The original documentary Aging in Place examines the challenges seniors deal with and the path they follow to live comfortably and happily in their own homes. Aging in Place is produced by Mountain Road Productions.

Mind Your Own Business returns Tuesday, May 30, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Hosted by entrepreneur Kevin Shaw, who is blind, entrepreneurs in the disability community aim to take their businesses to the next level with some help from high-profile Canadian mentors. Entrepreneurs and companies featured in Season 2 of Mind Your Own Business include Sawchuk Accessible Solutions, Deafinite Contracting, THG’s Hot Chicken, Zed Cuff, StopGap Foundation, Tru Faces and Kingston Circus Arts. Mind Your Own Business is produced by Apple Orchard Productions.

All AMI-tv originals are available post-broadcast on demand at AMI.ca or the AMI-tv App.

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