Creating an accessible travel experience at YVR
YVR is a global hub and welcomes a diverse population of travellers and employees. We are committed to providing an inclusive experience and have a long history of leading programs and initiatives at YVR that benefit people of all abilities.
Part of our programming includes ensuring our services and terminal facilities are built for purpose for people of all abilities, and this has been a priority at YVR for more than 30 years.
In 2018, YVR received an ‘Accessibility Certified Gold’ rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) program. YVR was the first airport to receive the rating and scored an impressive 93 out of 100 points, showcasing our commitment to exceeding industry standards.
The RHFAC measures the level of meaningful access beyond building code, and is based upon the holistic user experience of people with varying disabilities affecting their mobility, vision and hearing.
We have a broad range of accessibility features at YVR that contribute to our certification and help ensure we are continually removing barriers and improving accessibility, including:
- Universal counters at restaurants and information counters for people using wheeled mobility devices
- Accessible self-serve kiosks for check-in and customs that are designed to accommodate people using wheeled mobility devices as well as those with visual and auditory needs
- A variety of accessible parking options are available including short-term and economy lots.
- Universal seating throughout the terminal
- Universally accessible washrooms that are equipped with screen walls, automated dispensers, and adult-sized changing facilities
- Family amenities such as nursing pods and nursery rooms
- Pet relief areas for individuals travelling with service or guide dogs
- Adaptive speakers throughout the terminal building
- Enhanced wayfinding and signage, with increased contrast for readability
- A translation service that supports more than 240 languages, available anytime via telephones stationed at information counters
- Digital tools for travellers to book their time in security screening lines and receive near real-time travel information, helping create certainty and consistency
In addition, our Guest Experience team members and Green Coat volunteers are trained to support and assist travellers, providing assistance with baggage carts, wayfinding, accessibility requests, and more.
In 2023, YVR launched Beyond Accessibility, a comprehensive three-year Accessibility Plan that builds upon YVR’s longstanding efforts to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible travel experience for individuals of all abilities.
Learn more about our accessibility plan at: Accessibility at YVR | YVR