A Reality Check: trying to get by on disability assistance episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 24, 2026 · 26 MIN

A Reality Check: trying to get by on disability assistance

from Reflections · host Grant Hardy, Ramya Amuthan, Helaine Boyd, Gillian Backlin, John Loeppky

Grant Hardy helps us take a closer look at the reality of life on disability assistance, following a recent report in the mainstream media about turmoil at BC’s Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Helaine Boyd, Executive Director at Disability Alliance BC speaks about DABC’s position on the recent story, and how attitudinal barriers impact marginalized people. Student and Research Assistant Gillian Backlin describes the challenges she personally faces as a recipient of provincial disability assistance in BC and explains how she would appreciate more balanced coverage of this situation in the mainstream media. And Freelance Journalist John Loeppky shares his perspective on creating effective conversations about disability issues in our media. About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaIncEmail [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Grant Hardy helps us take a closer look at the reality of life on disability assistance, following a recent report in the mainstream media about turmoil at BC’s Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Helaine Boyd, Executive Director at Disability Alliance BC speaks about DABC’s position on the recent story, and how attitudinal barriers impact marginalized people. Student and Research Assistant Gillian Backlin describes the challenges she personally faces as a recipient of provincial disability assistance in BC and explains how she would appreciate more balanced coverage of this situation in the mainstream media. And Freelance Journalist John Loeppky shares his perspective on creating effective conversations about disability issues in our media.

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A Reality Check: trying to get by on disability assistance

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This episode is 26 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 24, 2026.

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Grant Hardy helps us take a closer look at the reality of life on disability assistance, following a recent report in the mainstream media about turmoil at BC’s Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Helaine Boyd, Executive Director...

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