AMI renames annual scholarship program

TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2016 -- Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) announced today that it has renamed its scholarship program in memory of former colleague and advocate for accessibility, Robert Pearson.

Formerly known as the AMI Scholarship, the bursary has been renamed the AMI Robert Pearson Memorial Scholarship in honour of the organization's Accessibility Officer who passed away in December, 2015. Robert Pearson was a long-time employee of AMI and fervent supporter of accessibility in Canada and around the world.

"Renaming the AMI Scholarship in Robert's memory ensures that his hard work lives on and forever reminds us of his commitment to accessibility and creating a more inclusive society," explains Peter Burke, AMI Vice-President of Marketing and Communications. "The Scholarship program was created to further strengthen the organization's commitment to making accessible media for all Canadians; a role that Robert embraced with great passion and enthusiasm. He was an inspiration to all of us."

Entering its fifth year, the AMI Robert Pearson Memorial Scholarship program offers much needed financial assistance to students with a disability. In 2016, AMI will once again collaborate with the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) to administer the program and engage students with disabilities from across the country. Two $5,000 bursaries will be awarded to two deserving students with a permanent disability; one from the English community and one from the French.

The AMI Robert Pearson Memorial Scholarship launches on February 22 and concludes on April 30, 2016. Complete rules and regulations are available at www.AMI.ca/scholarship and at www.AMItele.ca/bourses.

For further information on AMI and its programs and initiatives, please visit www.AMI.ca or www.AMItele.ca.

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About NEADS

Since its founding in 1986, the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) has had the mandate to support full access to education and employment for post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities across Canada. For further information please visit: www.neads.ca.

About Accessible Media Inc.

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is a not-for-profit multimedia organization serving more than five million Canadians who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, hard of hearing, mobility or print restricted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI's mission is to make accessible media for all Canadians. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.
 

CONTACT: Janis Davidson Pressick Communications Manager, AMI
         800-567-6755 ext. 0971 [email protected]
         
         Frank Smith
         National Coordinator, NEADS
         (613) 380-8065 ext. 201 [email protected]