MUSQUEAM TERRITORY/RICHMOND, BC, April 30,
2024 /CNW/ - Today, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and
Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) wrapped up April – Autism
Acceptance Month – by unveiling two key initiatives in support of
the neurodiverse community. The first was the launch of a series of
interactive travel training videos, created through a partnership
with YVR, PAFN and AIDE Canada.
The bustling and high-stress atmosphere of airports can be
challenging for neurodiverse individuals. To address this concern,
YVR, PAFN, and AIDE Canada combined expertise to develop a video
series which simulates the travel experience from the curb to
cloud. These on-demand videos enable individuals to familiarize
themselves with various travel processes, empowering them to
approach real travel situations with confidence.
"YVR is a diverse global hub, and we remain committed to meeting
the highest standards of accessibility and inclusion," said
Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at
Vancouver International Airport.
"A little bit of planning ahead can make all the difference to a
travel journey. Through our partnership with PAFN and AIDE Canada,
YVR is proud to offer a valuable resource to neurodiverse
individuals and others, enabling anyone who may feel anxious about
the experience to prepare for air travel with confidence."
The three-part series, developed with the participation of key
members of the airport ecosystem, covers important travel processes
including check-in, security screening procedures, aircraft
boarding, and clearing customs after an international trip.
Designed to provide practical guidance, the interactive tool in the
videos allows users to navigate typical airport scenarios, interact
with personnel, and observe the outcomes of their choices,
fostering self-assurance for real-life travel situations.
"We are delighted to support neurodiverse communities by
introducing the wonder of travel and what they can expect through
these interactive travel training videos. By seeing an Air Canada
aircraft and staff in these videos, and together with our adoption
and recognition of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, we
hope neurodiverse people and their families can develop the
confidence to take a trip soon," said Christianna Scott, Director – Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion at Air Canada.
The videos, which feature neurodiverse actor Kayla Tellier are available on AIDE Canada's website.
In addition to supporting the training video series, YVR is
providing comprehensive neurodiverse inclusion training to its
employees, from frontline workers such as Guest Experience and
Green Coat volunteers, to staff in a range of areas, including Fire
and Rescue personnel. These training programs focus on best
practices for communication and support to those in the
neurodiverse community, ensuring a welcoming, safe, and supportive
journey for all passengers. Invitations to the training
sessions, delivered by Dr. Fakhri
Shafai were extended to other organizations, and many have
participated, including but not limited to airport assigned RCMP,
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (U.S. CBP), and Canada Border Services Agency
(CBSA) personnel.
"The Canada Border Services Agency welcomes thousands of
travellers to Canada each day and
we understand that crossing the border can present unique
challenges for neurodiverse individuals," said CBSA Director
Linell Redmond, Vancouver International Airport. "We have an
important role to play in helping remove existing barriers and
appreciate the opportunity to have our border services officers
take part in this training through YVR, PAFN and AIDE Canada."
"CATSA endeavours to create a barrier-free security screening
experience that is inclusive and respectful of all travellers,"
said Jim Doucette, CATSA's Director,
Service Delivery. "Participating in this training allows screening
officers to learn how to best support neurodiverse passengers
through the screening process and we are grateful for this
opportunity."
PAFN Board Chair and Co-Founder Sergio
Cocchia (O.B.C.) commended YVR President and CEO
Tamara Vrooman for her leadership
and support to impacted individuals and families. He also
appreciated YVR's ability to see the need to prepare for a travel
experience from a different and innovative viewpoint. "Programs are
usually geared to the neurodiverse individual learning to adapt in
our community. Families spend their lives educating their
neurodiverse children on how to adapt to our community, and in
these new training sessions we are helping the community adapt to
neurodiverse individuals. It's crucial for all airport partners to
actively participate in fostering and furthering these forms of
inclusivity."
As of April 2024, 97% of YVR's
guest experience team has completed the neurodiverse inclusion
training. Sessions are ongoing and have been integrated into YVR's
onboarding curriculum for new volunteers joining our Green Coat
volunteer program.
More Information about YVR's accessibility plan is available at
www.YVR.ca/accessibility
ABOUT YVR
Vancouver International Airport
(YVR) is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data,
and ideas and serves as a platform for our community to come
together and thrive. We are motivated by supporting regional
economic development and making a positive difference in the lives
of British Columbians. We do this with a focus on serving our
passengers, partners, workers, and community through digital
modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial
sustainability.
SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority