Accessible Media Inc: Rights of People Living with Disabilities Research (1 position)

Area of Law: Human Rights Law -- Constitutional Law (Federalism or the Charter) -- Health Law -- Animal Rights

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 about AMI.ca, check out their website here: https://www.ami.ca/

In this project, the student will support production of the Kelly and Ramya broadcast. Kelly and Ramya is a weekly 2-hour broadcast and podcast that reaches 3k-5k people each week, featuring interviews and discussions about arts, entertainment, and lifestyle issues. The student will by conduct issue-driven and legal research producing brief research memos. Once research memos are reviewed and approved by the supervising lawyer and organization contact, legal information contained within these memos will be disseminated publicly via the broadcasts. Information on the broadcast and topics can be found at https://www.ami.ca/category/kellyandramya. The topics will surround current legal issues that pertain to people living with disabilities. Particular focus will be on new federal legislation, as well as that of Ontario. Research may also include non-legal research to learn about public reactions of the state of the law. Further, students may be tasked with conducting outreach. Students may also have the chance to appear on the Kelly and Ramya cable TV show, if they choose to do so. 

Time Commitment

Students are expected to volunteer for 3-5 hours per week. The placement is virtual so it will be flexible. However, students are expected to have weekly touch base meetings or emails. 

Required Training

In addition to the PBSC mandatory training, AMI.ca will provide a general orientation and discussion about topics of interest to be researched. 

Number of Students and Prerequisites

  • How many students?
    • 1 student
  • Can first year law students volunteer?
    • No - AMI.ca is looking for a student in 2L or 3L
  • Should you be bilingual?
    • No, bilingualism is not needed but it would be beneficial
  • Any other expectations for this project?
    • The successful candidate will have an interest in the rights of disabilities and be able to perform both legal and non-legal research. Lived experience is an asset, but not required in order to be successful. AMI.ca welcomes applicants from students who live with a disability, particularly low vision or blindness, as the broadcaster targets this audience. If there are no such candidates, familiarity with disability issues would be very helpful. Students who are familiar with and interest in the Charter, Constitutional, Human Rights and Disability law are preferred.