History in 60
Canadian disability history.
One minute at a time.
Premiering March 30 on AMI-tv and AMI+
About the series
Season 1 Episode 1 video trailer for History in 60: Wheelchair Rugby
History in 60 is a six-part documentary series hosted by journalist John Loeppky. In each episode, he digs into a moment of disability history and then takes on the challenge of fitting it all into one minute.
The series explores pivotal events, overlooked figures, and the evolving story of disability rights in Canada, connecting past struggles to the present.
About the host: John Loeppky
John Loeppky is a disabled freelance journalist based on Treaty 6 territory in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, Maclean’s, Historica Canada, Healthline, Teen Vogue and many more. His CBC op-ed series “Taking A Sitting Stand” has earned multiple RTDNA awards and he helps support organizations such as the Disabled Journalists Association in order to create more opportunities for disabled media makers.
Episodes
Episode 1: Wheelchair Rugby
John looks at the history of Murderball, or Wheelchair Rugby. He meets one of its inventors “quadfather” Duncan Campbell and then takes in a rugby tournament in Alberta. He hits the court to wrap up the history of this Canadian sport.
Episode 2: Comedy
John dives into the history of disabled comedy. He meets several comedians including pioneer David Roach, as well as Dakota Hebert and Wesley Saxton Magee. John hits an open mic night to put it all together.
Episode 3: Charter & Change
John looks a Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the road to people with disabilities being included in it. He meets with legendary lawyer and activist David Lepofsky. John wraps up his findings while navigating an everyday lack of accessibility.
Episode 4: Politics
John digs into the world of politics and those with disabilities who have held office. He meets with Stephanie Cadieux, Michelle Stilwell and Keith Jorgenson. To wrap it all up, he gets in font of his “constituents” with a speech.
Episode 5: News Media
John reports on the history of news media in Canada and those who have led the way for journalists with disabilities. He goes behind the scenes with storied sports reporter Cam Tait. He holds a press conference on his finding at Rogers Place, home of the Edmonton Oilers.
Episode 6: Dance!
John traces the evolution of dance in Canada for artists with disabilities. He takes in a show at the National Access Arts Centre, and choreographs his findings on stage in Calgary.
