Audio Description Project
Audio Description Project
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.
AMI-audio is an accessible television channel and streaming service offering a variety of compelling stories and engaging original content to Canadians who are blind, partially sighted or otherwise print restricted. AMI-audio produces several daily live programs focused on news of the day, technology insights, community events, lifestyle issues, health and information directly affecting the blind and partially sighted community. AMI-audio also records and curates a selection of feature articles from top publications read by a team of professional narrators. AMI-audio content is available as podcasts through all major podcasting apps and platforms. Learn more about AMI-audio.
AMI-tv is a national English language television channel licensed by the CRTC as part of the basic digital package offered by cable systems and satellite direct-to-home services. AMI-tv was the first channel in the world to broadcast all content with open format described video for individuals who are blind or partially sighted, in addition to closed captioning for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. AMI-tv entertains, informs and empowers people of all abilities with a variety of original content, as well as shows and movies from conventional and specialty television services, broadcast in an accessible format. Learn more about AMI-tv.
In December 2014, AMI launched its third broadcast service, AMI-télé, to serve francophone Canadians who are blind, partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing. AMI-télé is the first and only French language station to broadcast all content with open described video serving people who are blind or partially sighted. The network offers a selection of varied programming including popular television series, classic movies, children’s favourites and original programming. It is available with a basic digital package from most television providers.AMI has spearheaded and partnered in a number of initiatives to make accessible media for all Canadians.
The DV Guide (Described Video TV Guide) is an aggregate list of the DV programming available through most providers across the country.
The AMI-tv App offers a broad selection of AMI original shows, documentaries and digital shorts to watch and enjoy. 
Mar '23
The Described Video Best Practices (DVBP) was an industry and community group led initiative to bring congruency to the artistic elements of description.
The AMI Scholarship Program was developed to assist and encourage an understanding of accessibility at the post-secondary level.
The AMI Research Panel brings blind and partially sighted individuals together to help shape the future of accessible media in Canada.
These initiatives drive our understanding of the audience that is utilizing our services. From closed captioning to described video/audio description, Canada has benefitted from a collaborative and supportive regulatory environment in the provision of media accessibility.
(Last updated Mar 10, 2023, by information supplied by AMI.)
