News

About the Show

Employable Me is a moving documentary series featuring job seekers who are determined to show that having a physical disability or neurological condition shouldn’t make them unemployable. Each of the six one-hour episodes features two individuals from the Greater Toronto Area or Montreal who want nothing more than to find steady employment.

Every member of the Employable Me cast is either living with vision loss or a neurological condition such as Tourette Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome or ADHD. Some of them have never had a job before, some have applied for hundreds of jobs to no avail. Regardless, their end goal is the same as they embark on this life-changing journey. It isn’t always easy but each job seeker is determined to overcome their challenges, help change employers’ perceptions and find their passion.

Employable Me is produced by Thomas Howe Associates Inc. in partnership with Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) and TVO, and is licensed by all3media international. About The Show Accessibility “If I have a job then I’m able to have dreams.” – Christine, Employable Me job seeker Employable Me is completely accessible to audience members who are blind or partially sighted as it features Integrated Described Video. This form of description was pioneered by AMI and integrates natural sound with a description from the cast at the time of production, eliminating the need for a secondary audio track.

Why The Lunch Lady Got Involved With Employable Me

As told by Ruthie Burd, The Founder of the Lunch Lady.

One of the reasons the Lunch Lady began in 1993 was because of my son Brendan. Brendan is on the Autism Spectrum. I needed to create a job for myself that would free up my afternoons to take him to his many therapies and although I had no culinary or nutritional expertise or experience, the idea of a Lunch Program for schools fit best into my plans.

Over, our son Bren ( 2nd on the left) between his brothers Dylan and Chris, is now a young adult and this program really pulled at my heartstrings. I know so many parents worry about what the future will look like for children who face unique challenges and I am no exception.

I was so proud to have been part of this program, and so amazed by the young woman who came as a job seeker to our Lunch Lady location in Hamilton.

Although our son is not as capable as she was, being at a different spot on the Spectrum, this program has really made me wonder what more we can do as Canadians to provide opportunities for young people like Blair and others to find a place where they feel appreciated and welcomed.

Where to Watch

I hope you watch the program. Here are the details below.
Episode 6 : Blair and Robert
August 25 at 10 amp.m. ET and PT
September 3 at 8 p.m. ET

Thanks again to the AMI network and THA Media (the folks that brought you undercover Boss Canada) for the opportunity to be part of this show.

Most basic digital cable packages in Canada include AMI-tv, meaning you likely already have access to our channel.

Full episodes will also be available for online viewing one day after they initially air. Online episodes will only be available in Canada. We welcome you to share the link with your family and friends, but do keep in mind episodes will not be available outside the country.

Anyone Can Watch

Employable Me is accessible for visually impaired or partially sighted viewers. The show features Integrated Described Video (IDV), an innovative form of description pioneered by AMI that integrates description from cast members and natural sounds at the time of production. This eliminates the need for a secondary audio.

Make sure to watch Episode 6 to learn more about the Lunch Lady and Blair.

In case you missed Ruthie Burd, the Founder of the Lunch Lady on AMI-Audio live from Studio 5 here it is:
http://www.ami.ca/category/arts-and-culture-live-from-studio-5/media/introducing-employable-me