Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, located on the Toronto Islands, is launching a new program to help travellers with non-visible disabilities signal to staff that they may require additional support — or at least a little more time and patience.
In a press release on Wednesday, the airport said it has launched the "Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program."
Under the new program, a passenger with a non-visible disability can choose to wear a sunflower lanyard or sticker as a means of providing a discrete, visual cue that they may require some extra help or understanding.
"Without a visual cue, it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge or understand the daily barriers faced by people living with a non-visible disability," the airport said in a release. "For those living with such disabilities, the sunflower lanyard or sticker enables them to navigate their environments confidently, choosing what they share or don't share about their non-visible disabilities, conditions, or chronic illnesses."
The program has associated training that should give staff the confidence to talk about disabilities while respectfully and non-intrusively supporting colleagues and customers, the airport detailed.
"We are committed to ensuring that all Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport passengers have a positive experience inclusive of their individual needs," said the president and CEO of PortsToronto, R.J. Steenstra.
By offering discreet, personalized assistance through the new program, the airport aims to make travel more accessible and less stressful, Steenstra said.
"Air travel should be something that everyone can enjoy, and we're pleased to demonstrate our commitment to accessibility through our membership with such an acclaimed program," added Neil Pakey, president and CEO of Nieuport Aviation.
Travellers with a hidden disability planning to pass through Billy Bishop can receive a sunflower lanyard by emailing [email protected] at least 24 hours ahead of their arrival to organize pickup on the day of travel.
Alternatively, travellers can pick up a Sunflower sticker any time on the passenger departures level.
All sunflower products will be available free of charge, the airport said.
Since its launch in 2016, businesses and institutions around the world have been joining the global "Sunflower network," ranging from retail to travel to education sectors. The program includes more than 280 airports.
Learn more at www.hdsunflower.com.
