This is a joint project between Osgoode Hall Law School, the University of Toronto, and Lincoln Alexander
Project Type: Legal Research and Writing
Fields of Law: Human Rights, Constitutional (Federalism or the Charter), Health, Animal Rights
Positions Available: 1 student
About AMI.ca
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.
Project Details
Kelly and Ramya is a weekly 2-hour broadcast and podcast that reaches 3k-5k people each week, featuring interviews and discussions about arts, entertainment and lifestyle issues. The student volunteer will support production of the Kelly and Ramya broadcast by conducting issue-driven and legal research producing brief research memos. Once research memos are reviewed and approved by the supervising lawyer and organization contact, legal information contained within these memos will be disseminated publicly via the broadcasts.
Information on the broadcast and topics can be found at www.ami.ca/category/kellyandramya
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
Students will complete research in the areas outlined above. The project will engage a law student in research about current legal issues that pertain to people living with disabilities in Canada. Particular focus will be on new federal legislation, as well as that of Ontario. Research may also include non-legal research to learn about public reactions of the state of the law. Further, students may be tasked with conducting outreach.
Students may also have the chance to appear on the Kelly and Ramya cable TV show, if they choose to do so.
Is A Work Plan Required For This Position?
Yes, the student will meet with the organization and supervising lawyer to discuss and set deadlines.
If yes, the student(s) must reach out to the lawyer supervisor, draft a work plan, and submit it by email to the Program Coordinator and the lawyer supervisor by November 1st at the latest. Please note that workplans are required for all legal research and writing projects.
What Type Of Training Will the Organization Provide?
Note: All first year PBSC volunteers and all volunteers working on research projects must also attend a PBSC/Thomson Reuters legal research strategies workshop.
None.
How Many Hours Per Week Will the Student Volunteer(s) Be Expected to Volunteer?
3-5 hours per week.
Will The Student(s) Be Expected To Show Up For Regular Shifts Each Week?
The placement is virtual so it will be flexible. However, students are expected to have weekly touch base meetings.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
No.
Requirements and Expectations
The successful candidate will have an interest in the rights of disabilities and be able to perform both legal and non-legal research. Lived experience is an asset, but not required in order to be successful. We welcome applications from students who live with a disability, particularly low vision or blindness, as the broadcaster targets this audience. If there are no such candidates, familiarity with disability issues would be very helpful.
Students with familiarity with and interest in the Charter, Constitutional, Human Rights and Disability law are preferred.