Montréal, May 18, 2021 - The six-episode series Accessible ou non? will premiere on MAtv during National Accessibility Week, which runs from May 30 to June 5. People with disabilities in the Greater Montréal area tell their stories and relate their challenges and successes. The series explores issues that concern us all: accessibility and inclusion. Sunday, May 30 at 9 p.m. See the trailer.
16% of Quebecers have a disability and the majority of Quebecers will have a functional limitation at some point in their lives. As the population ages, this number will continue to climb. These surprising statistics give us pause for thought: what can we as individuals and as a society do to be more inclusive?
The series is a sensitive investigation of the issue that will debunk some myths. Accessible ou non? puts people who live with a disability every day on the TV screen,” says Steve Desgagné, MAtv Senior Director. “We need to get to know each other and take a genuine interest in each other’s experiences if we want to change our society for the better.”
The show’s creator and host, Aube Savard, who has a motor disability herself, has a message of hope: “The concept of the show sprang from my need to feel useful to other people with disabilities. Our daily lives are full of obstacles that most people don’t even suspect. I hope this program will help raise public awareness and spur elected officials to take concrete action to promote true integration for everyone.”
A more inclusive society
People who live with a physical, visual, hearing, intellectual or pervasive developmental disability have the same desires as everyone else: to visit tourist attractions, to have fun, to study and to work. But do they have access to these places and activities? What challenges do they face on a daily basis and what obstacles do they find on their path?
In addition to the testimonials from people with disabilities, Accessible ou non? talks to the experts in universal design at the non-profit organization Société Logique. In each episode, they propose design solutions in architecture, urban planning and public transportation that promote access for all Montrealers.
Inspirational interviews
In the first episode, viewers meet Julien Racicot, a business owner who became a quadriplegic after a car accident, and find out how his home and means of transportation have been adapted to his needs. Also, Isabelle Ducharme, president of Kéroul, discusses access to tourist and recreational sites.
Episode 2 ventures into the world of music. Jennifer Manning, who was born deaf, talks about her hobby: signed singing. Also, Daniel Jean, Director of the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (OPHQ), discusses the terms that should be used when interacting with people with disabilities to avoid making anyone uncomfortable.
In episode 3, Gabriel de Villers-Matte gives viewers insight into Down syndrome and Prof. Jacques Langevin of Groupe DÉFI Accessibilité talks about cognitive accessibility and the learning potential of people with an intellectual disability.
Integration and transportation are the focus of the fourth episode. Monique Trudel, who has multiple sclerosis, talks about the gym she has set up and the joy of skiing. Steve Charbonneau, executive director of the Adaptive Sports Foundation, gives viewers food for thought about sports and disability. As well, principles of universal design in housing are discussed.
Episode 5 features Valerie Saumure, who has an autism spectrum disorder. She performs on stage regularly and eloquently shares the difficulties of her daily life. Michaël Huot, integration advisor at Action main-d’œuvre, discusses access to employment.
In the sixth and final episode, viewers meet Sylvain Nadeau, a man who has lost his sight. Among other things, he talks about the pitfalls he encounters in his neighborhood. Digital expert Guillaume D’amour talks about accessibility on the Web.
Accessible ou non? premieres on Sunday, May 30 at 9:00 p.m. across the MAtv network (channel 9 on Helix and 609 on illico). It will also be available via video-on-demand (VoD) on Videotron, Helix and illico platforms. The series will be fully subtitled and described video will be available on VoD to make it accessible to all.
Each episode will also be available to everyone for two weeks after it airs on matv.ca.
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MAtv: My community’s voice by Videotron
MAtv, an exclusive service for Videotron customers, serves the community by reflecting Québec’s diversity. It gives all citizens access to a vehicle of free expression and outreach that promotes public participation. MAtv carries useful, informative and educational programming which focuses on topics of local interest and supports the emergence of new talent. It reflects the concerns of the community of 1.5 million households it serves across Québec. MAtv is broadcast on channel 9 (Helix and illico) and on channel 609 in HD (illico). It is also available on video on demand, on the Web and on mobile via the Helix and illico apps. MAtv is present on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.
Source : MAtv
Media contact :
Audrey Rioux
Senior Marketing and Distribution Manager, MAtv
audrey.rioux@videotron.com | 514 296-1505
[1] Source - Office québécois des personnes handicapées (OPHQ) : https://www.ophq.gouv.qc.ca/loffice/faq/faq-statistiques.html
