2012-10-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — Winnipeg Airports Authority was honoured to receive the Winnipeg Accessibility Award from the City of Winnipeg.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition from the City of Winnipeg,” said Barry Rempel, President & CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “Universal design was a key component in the planning and construction of the new air terminal building and parkade. It is essential that everyone be able to safely navigate and enjoy our community’s new airport.”
The Winnipeg Accessibility Award raises awareness regarding the importance of accessibility and universal design, which makes life more equitable, safe, comfortable and affordable for everyone, including people with disabilities. The award recognizes projects that incorporate features of universal design such as physical access, communication access and wayfinding.
Winnipeg Airports Authority has worked with a Universal Design Advisory Committee for a number of years. In addition to a representative from WAA, the Committee membership includes representatives from Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, WestJet, the Vision Impaired Resource Network, Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, Canadian Paraplegic Association, Resource Center for Manitobans who are Deaf-Blind, Consumers’ Association of Manitoba, Society of Manitobans with Disabilities, and others representing travellers with disabilities. An advisor to WAA on universal design also attends Committee meetings.
The Universal Design Advisory Committee aims to increase accessibility for persons with disabilities while also improving functionality for a wide range of airport users. During the early design stages of the new Air Terminal Building, representatives from WAA and the Airport Site Redevelopment team hosted an idea generating session with the Committee. Many of their suggestions were included in the design of the new airport to ensure accessibility for all airport users.
Winnipeg Airports Authority was nominated for the award by one of their volunteer Goldwing Ambassadors, Ken Fisher. Ken began volunteering at the airport in March 2010 as a Blue Line shuttle driver. He also volunteers with the Parkinson Society of Manitoba.
Winnipeg Airports Authority is a non-share capital corporation responsible for the management and operation of Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and affiliate businesses. WAA receives no operating funding from any level of Government.
Winnipeg Airports Authority serves our region by providing value to our customers and community. A source of pride for our community, we strive to be a leader in its growth and development.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Christine Payne
Director, Communications & Public Affairs
Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.
cpayne@waa.ca
Phone: 204.987.2021
24 Hour Media Line: 204.992.2791
www.waa.ca or Connect with us on Twitter @YWGairport
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