The Pulse
The Pulse is a podcast discussing issues impacting the disability community across Canada on AMI-audio. Host Joeita Gupta, who is blind, also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.
Financial Planning for Children with Disabilities
Joeita speaks to financial advisor Ron Malis about estate planning and financial management for a child with a disability. Â
Highlights
Financial Planning for a Child with a Disability - Opening Remarks (00:00)Introducing Ron Malis, Financial Advisor & Founder of Reegan Financials (01:08)Getting Started Working with People with Disabilities (02:08)When Do Parents Typically Start Planning for their Child’s Future (3:41)Specific Considerations for Parents of a Child with a Disability (06:38)Impacts of Social Assistance Programs and Setting Up a Trust (08:34)                                                                               All About the Henson Trust & Choosing a Trustee (10:55)Impact of Inheritances and other Income on Social Assistance Payments (18:24)Eligibility Requirements for a Henson Trust (20:22)Estate Planning in a Tax Efficie...Long-Term Disability Claims Explained
Joeita speaks disability lawyer Sivan Tumarkin of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP about long-term disability claims and how to apply for them.
Highlights
The Ins and Outs of Long-Term Disability Claims – Opening Remarks (00:00)Introducing Sivan Tumarkin, disability lawyer and the National Co-Managing Partner of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP (01:14)What is Long-Term Disability and Who is Eligible? (02:14)Differences Between Personal Injury Claims, Workers’ Compensation & Long-Term Disability Claims (03:45)LTD Claims Across Canada (05:37)How to Start the Process of a Long-Term Disability Claim (06:37)HR & the Impact of Long-Term Disability Claims on Insurance Premiums (07:41)How Long Does the LTD Claim Process Take? (10:01)Documentation Requi...Mental Health, Lawyers & the Law
Joeita speaks with Beth Beattie and Carole Dagher about their new book “The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in the Legal Profession” which discusses mental health and well-being amongst legal professionals.Â
Highlights
Mental Health Within the Legal Profession – Opening Remarks (00:00)Introducing Beth Beattie & Carole Dagher (01:29)“The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in the Legal Profession” (03:12)Importance of Mental Health Amongst Legal Professionals (04:23)Fear & Secrecy Surrounding Mental Health Struggles (06:02)Contributors to “The Right Not to Remain Silent” & Mental Health Summit (08:31)What Can We Learn from Personal Essays on Mental Healt...Disability, Health & Equality
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Health Equity
00:52 Barriers Faced by People with Disabilities
06:07 The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Equity
07:30 Addressing Health Inequities Highlighted by COVID-19
09:39 Tackling Health Equity in the Canadian Healthcare System
11:02 Understanding Sustainable Community Well-being
15:29 Taking a Critical Disability Lens in Healthcare
16:28 The Right to Health and Affirmation of People with Disabilities
22:19 Conclusion and Future Conversations
About The Pulse
On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community...
Blindness & Poetry
Joeita speaks with Dominic Roberts, author of a new book of poetry "Blinded by the Write: Poems from a Twisted Mind" in which he discusses his vision loss journey.
Highlights:
The Emotional Landscape of Blindness - Opening Remarks (00:00)Introduction – The Pulse Home Studio (01:14)Introducing Dominic Roberts, Poet and Author of “Blinded by the Write: Poems from a Twisted Mind” (4:22)Writing Process (06:30)Fantasy Side (6:58)Making Peace with Vision Loss through Poetry (08:04)“Eyes Tell Lies” (09:23)Prominence of Nature in Poetic and Vision Loss Journey’s (13:03)Other People’s Poetry (14:15)From a Poem to a Book (14:46)Nature’s Own Disco (15:32)Par...Disability & Intimacy
Joeita speaks to Carli Friedman of the University of Washington about disability and intimacy.Â
Highlights:
The Value of Intimate Relationships - Opening Remarks (00:00)Introducing Carli Friedman, Director of research for the Council on Quality and Leadership (01:09)Studying Disability & Intimacy (02:17)Defining Intimacy (03:26)Benefits of Having Intimate Relationships (04:01)Barriers to Close Relationships (05:30)Impact of Housing Situation (06:11)Access to Privacy (07:39)Stigma Around Inter-Abled Relationships (08:40)Understanding Access-Needs (10:29)Common Experiences Versus Shared Interests (11:35)Social Media and Intimate Relationships (13:10)Attitudinal & Other Barriers (15:06)Facilitators & Gatekeepers (16:03)How to Form Intimate Relationships (18:56)Kinship, Belonging & Well-Being (20:15)Independence Versus Interdependence (21:06)Show Close (23:11)Guest Bio:
C...
The Country of the Blind – Andrew Leland
Joeita speaks to Andrew Leland about his book "The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight"
Highlights:
“What is Blindness?” - Opening Remarks (00:00)Introducing Andrew Leland, Author of “The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight” (01:14)About H.G. Wells’ “The Country of the Blind” Short Story (01:57)Memoir Writing Process (04:12)Curiosity in Exploring Vision Loss (06:30)Balancing Intellectualizing Blindness & the Emotional Reality of Blind People (09:30)Deciding Where to Draw the Line (12:16)Blindness & the Male Gaze (15:05)Culture of Blindness (17:38)Surprises, Revelations & Conclusions (20:57)Lingering Questions & Tensions (23:31)Show Close (26:02)Guest Bio:Â
Andrew Lel...
Disability & Emergency Preparedness
Joeita discusses emergency preparedness for people with disabilities with Kaitlynne Lowe, Policy Researcher at MacEachen Institute for Public Policy at Dalhousie University. Â
From Emergency Supply Kits and Vulnerable Person’s Registries to accessibility barriers in transportation and housing, people with disabilities are often especially vulnerable during a crisis, disaster, or emergency.
Highlights:
“Vulnerable in an Emergency Situation” - Opening Clip (00:00)Disability & Emergency Preparedness - Opening Remarks (00:34)Introducing Kaitlynne Lowe (01:47)Public Safety for People with Disabilities (02:15)Emergency Response Capacity Across Canada (03:17)How are People with Disabilities Vulnerable During a Crisis? (05:41)Effective Communication During an Emergency (07:36)Account...Accessible Fashion, Part 3: Fashion as a Social Good
In the third of three episodes on Accessible Fashion, Joeita speaks to Alexa Jonovavic, founder of Aille Design, a brand featuring clothing with Braille beadwork. Alexa dives into her collaborative process with members of the blind and partially sighted community. Plus, a fascinating exploration of the relationship blind women have with colour. Â
Highlights:
“So Much More Than Clothing” - Opening Clip (00:00)“Accessible Fashion as a Social Good” - Opening Remarks (00:28)Introducing Alexa Jovanovic of Aille Design (01:40)Discovering Love of Fashion & Design (02:36)Functionality Versus Aesthetics (04:00)Caring for Braille Beadwork Clothing (6:06)Learning & Writing Braille (7:27)Impact of Braille Beadwork Messages...Accessible Fashion, Part 2: Fashion as Self-Expression
In the second of three episodes on Accessible Fashion, Joeita speaks to Wendy Wong, founder of June Adaptive on her creative choice and journey. Wendy discusses the practicalities of getting her business off the ground, including obtaining feedback from People with Disabilities.  Â
Highlights:
“Adaptive Clothing for People of All Abilities” – Opening Clip (00:00)“You Are What You Wear” - Opening Remarks (04:46)Introducing Wendy Wong, Creator of June Adaptive (01:52)Inspiration from Aunt June (02:55)All About Aunt June (04:43)Challenges in Catering to a Niche Community (05:25)Making JuneAdaptive.com Accessible (06:57)Adapted Clothing Designs: Zipper Sneakers (08:09)Grip Socks (08:59)Magnetic Button-Down Shirt (10:25)Open-Back Top...
