YVR and Pacific Autism Family Network Reimagine Travel for Neurodiverse Families
MUSQUEAM TERRITORY/RICHMOND, B.C., April 30, 2024 /CNW/ – Today, vancouver International Airport (YVR) and the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) closed out April – Autism Acceptance Month – by unveiling two important initiatives in support of the neurodiverse community. The first was the launch of a series of interactive travel training videos, created in partnership with YVR, PAFN and AIDE Canada.
The busy and stressful 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 that simulates the travel experience from the curb to the cloud. These on-demand videos allow 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,” he said Tamara Vroomanpresident and CEO of vancouver International Airport. “A little advance planning can make all the difference in a trip. Through our partnership with PAFN and AIDE Canada, YVR is proud to offer a valuable resource for neurodiverse individuals and others, allowing anyone who is anxious about the experience can prepare you for air travel with confidence.”
The three-part series, developed with input from key members of the airport ecosystem, covers important travel processes including check-in, security screening procedures, boarding aircraft and customs clearance after international travel. Designed to provide practical guidance, the interactive tool in the videos allows users to navigate typical airport scenarios, interact with staff and observe the results of their choices, promoting self-confidence for real-life travel situations.
“We are pleased to support neurodiverse communities by showcasing the wonder of travel and what they can expect through these interactive travel training videos. Seeing an Air Canada aircraft and employees in these videos, and along with our adoption and recognition of Sunflower for Hidden Disabilities program, we hope that neurodiverse people and their families can develop the confidence to take a trip soon,” he said Christianna ScottDirector – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Air Canada.
The videos, which feature the neurodiverse actor Kayla Tellier are available on AIDE from Canada website.
In addition to supporting the training video series, YVR is offering comprehensive neurodiverse inclusion training to its employees, from frontline workers such as Guest Experience and Green Coat volunteers to employees in a variety of fields, including fire personnel and rescue. These training programs focus on best practices for communicating and supporting members of the neurodiverse community, ensuring a welcoming, safe and supportive journey for all passengers. The invitations to the training sessions, delivered by Dr. Fakhri Shafai were extended to other organizations, and many participated, including, but not limited to, RCMP assigned to the airport, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP), and U.S. Security Services Agency personnel. Canada Borders (CBSA).
“The Canada Border Services Agency welcomes thousands of travelers to Canada every 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 to remove existing barriers and we appreciate the opportunity to have our border services officers participate in this training through YVR, PAFN and AIDE Canada.”
“CATSA strives to create a barrier-free security screening experience that is inclusive and respectful for all travelers,” said Jim Doucette, Director of CATSA, Service Provision. “Participating in this training allows screening agents to learn how to better support neurodiverse passengers during the screening process and we are grateful for this opportunity.”
Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of PAFN Sergio Cocchia (OBC) praised the president and CEO of YVR Tamara Vrooman for their leadership and support of 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 point of view. “Programs are often geared toward the neurodiverse individual learning to adapt in our community. Families spend their lives educating their neurodiverse children about how to adapt to our community, and in these new training sessions we are helping the community adapt to individuals neurodiverse. It is crucial for all airport partners to actively participate in promoting and promoting these forms of inclusion.”
From April 2024, 97% of YVR’s guest experience team has completed neurodiverse inclusion training. Sessions are ongoing and have been integrated into the YVR 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 Airport International (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 to support regional economic development and make 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
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