TORONTO — Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is the latest airport to launch the globally recognized Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program for passengers.
The program, available in 280 airports in over 30 countries and 18 airlines worldwide, offers passengers who have a non-visible disability 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. With the program, those living with such disabilities can navigate through the airport confidently, while those who work at Billy Bishop can gain more knowledge and confidence to 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,” said RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto. “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.”
Travellers planning to pass through Billy Bishop 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, they may pick up a Sunflower sticker anytime on the departures level of Billy Bishop’s passenger terminal. All Sunflower products are available free of charge.
Last year, Air Canada also announced its participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Sunflower lanyards are available at Air Canada’s check-in counters as well as on board all flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express.
