Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport launches Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport today launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program for passengers travelling to and from the heart of downtown Toronto. The program offers individuals who have a non-visible disability with the option to wear a sunflower lanyard or sticker, providing a discrete way of signalling to airport staff that they may require additional support or a little more time or patience.
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. 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. For those who work at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the program and associated training equips them with the knowledge and confidence to talk about disabilities, and respectfully and non-intrusively support colleagues and customers with non-visible disabilities.
“We are committed to ensuring that all Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport passengers have a positive experience inclusive of their individual needs. By offering discreet, personalized assistance through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, we aim to make travel more accessible and less stressful for those with hidden disabilities, enabling them to feel more confident and supported throughout their journey.”
“Our participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program will make the passenger terminal at YTZ a more inclusive place for our travellers. 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.”
Travellers planning to pass through Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport who have a hidden disability and would like to receive a Sunflower lanyard can email info@nieuport.com at least 24 hours ahead of their arrival at the airport to organize pickup on the day of travel. Alternatively, travellers may pick up a Sunflower sticker anytime on the departures level of our passenger terminal as a means of signalling to airport staff that they have a hidden disability. All Sunflower products will be available free of charge.
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The Toronto Port Authority owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomes approximately two million passengers and generates approximately $2 billion in economic impact per year; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and the marine Port of Toronto, which facilitates businesses such as marine shipping, cargo services and passenger cruises to generate approximately $460 million in economic activity annually. Since 1911, and in its role as a city builder, the Toronto Port Authority has worked with partners and every level of government to enhance Toronto’s transportation infrastructure and economic growth. The Toronto Port Authority is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities, and has invested more than $30 million in recent years to fund charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto's waterfront and beyond.
The Toronto Port Authority is a federal agency and operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act. It is guided by a Board of Directors that includes representation from all three levels of government.