AMI Launches Access in Progress Podcast to Explore Canada’s Path to 2040 Accessibility Goal
News fromCourierPR · 2 min read
TORONTO, Oct. 01, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- AMI, a media company dedicated to empowering Canadians with disabilities, is launching a new podcast called Access in Progress on October 6. The show aims to explore the progress Canada is making toward becoming barrier-free for members of the disability community by 2040.
Co-hosts Marco Pasqua and Bean Gill, along with contributor John Loeppky, will delve into the Accessible Canada Act, discussing its implementation and impact on everyday life. The podcast will air from 3 p.m. Eastern on AMI-audio and its YouTube channel, providing a platform for candid conversations about accessibility.
Bean Gill, paralyzed from the waist down in 2012, brings a unique perspective to the show. She has rebuilt her life and is known for her real talk and humor. Gill has starred in the AMI/CBC docuseries Push, worn the crown as Miss Wheelchair Canada, and collected two royal medals. She teaches disability etiquette to future healthcare workers at NAIT and co-founded ReYu Paralysis Recovery Centre.
Marco Pasqua, an inspirational speaker and best-selling author, is also a co-host. Born with cerebral palsy and a lifelong wheelchair user, Pasqua brings his lived experience and professional expertise to the podcast. He is the co-founder of Meaningful Access Consulting and a certified Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Professional, helping organizations create more accessible, human-centered experiences.
John Loeppky, a freelance journalist based in Saskatoon, contributes his insights to the show. His work has been featured in numerous publications, and he helps support organizations such as the Disabled Journalists Association.
In the debut episode, the hosts will explore where Canada stands with the Accessible Canada Act today. Subsequent episodes will feature discussions with advocates and experts, including an interview with Rob MacIsaac, an advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities. The third episode will weigh in on a class-action lawsuit against Air Canada brought by passengers using mobility aids.
AMI-audio, a subsidiary of AMI, is committed to providing accessible content and representation for Canadians with disabilities. The company’s vision is to establish AMI as a leader in offering accessible content through its three broadcast services and streaming platform, AMI+.
Access in Progress is produced by Aflalo Communications, with Jeff Ryman as the show producer and Paula Dineen as the manager of production. The podcast will air Tuesday to Friday at 3 p.m. Eastern, offering a platform for real-life discussions about accessibility and the challenges and successes in achieving a barrier-free Canada by 2040.