YVR Continues to Lead in Airport Accessibility Innovations

(IN SHORT) Vancouver International Airport (YVR) remains committed to fostering accessibility and inclusion through ongoing innovations. Recently, YVR introduced Sign Language video boarding messages in multiple languages, complementing existing audio and visual announcements, and plans to expand Assistive Listening Systems to check-in counters. The Curbside Greeting program offers proactive assistance to travelers from the moment they arrive, reflecting YVR’s dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences. Moreover, YVR’s new international departures terminal features guest-inspired services like changing place washrooms and quiet rooms, while partnerships with Aira and EqualWeb enhance navigation and web accessibility. YVR EXPRESS further streamlines travel processes, exemplifying the airport’s dedication to accessibility for all passengers.

(PRESS RELEASE) Richmond, B.C., 2024-Apr-20 — /Travel PR News/ — At YVR, our dedication to accessibility and inclusion drives many of our ongoing airport innovations. Understanding the diverse needs of our community, we are continually exploring new and innovative ways to ensure travel is accessible to all.

Earlier this year, YVR introduced Sign Language video  boarding messages in three languages, American Sign Language, Langue des signes du Québec (LSQ) and International Sign displayed on all gate information screens in the Main and South terminals. These messages complement our existing audio and visual announcements, ensuring seamless communication for all passengers. Additionally, Assistive Listening Systems are available at all information counters, with plans to expand this service to check-in counters later this year, making communication easier for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing with hearing aids.

In 2023, we launched our new Curbside Greeting program. This unique guest experience program helps by enhancing support for travellers from the very start of their journey here at YVR and builds on our award-winning approach to delivering the best possible experience for travellers. Our staff proactively greet and assist guests at the curb as they first arrive at the airport.  From offering help with finding a baggage cart, wayfinding, providing information to assisting guests with any accessibility requests or needs.

Here are further ways YVR is employing an innovative approach to accessibility at the airport: 

• With the expansion of our new international departures terminal, we’ve introduced  guest-inspired services such as an assisted change room or changing place washroom, nursing room, quiet room, animal relief areas, yoga space, and multi-faith prayer room to provide relief from sensory overstimulation and cater to our guest needs.
• YVR has partnered with Aira, a visual interpretation app, to assist individuals who are blind or partially sighted, enhancing their independence and navigation within the airport. Aira access is free with unlimited usage at YVR.
• YVR’s website is designed to meet website accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.1 AA), ensuring that our web content information is accessible to a wider range of people with disabilities. Additionally, the implementation of the EqualWeb accessibility tool allows users to customize their profile for easier navigation and personalized adjustments to colors and content.
• YVR EXPRESS availability for flights within Canada or to the United States, allows travellers to schedule specific times for security screening, streamlining the travel process by helping to reduce wait times and to create a more predictable experience.

For more information on YVR’s accessibility initiatives visit: www.yvr.ca/accessibility

Media Contact:

YVR Media Relations
media_relations@yvr.ca
604-880-9815

YVR Customer Care
customercallcentre@yvr.ca
604-207-7077
TTY(TTD) 604-207-7070

Source: YVR

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