Response and reaction to Year One of our Accessibility Plan
From our professional accessibility consultants to our community partnerships and journey mapping, we continue to work directly with the community of people with disabilities to design the best airport experience for everyone.
Alzheimer Society of B.C
“YVR’s Year One Progress Report on Accessibility is a testament to their commitment to inclusivity, recognizing that accessibility extends beyond physical barriers. For people living with dementia, navigating unfamiliar, busy environments can often pose challenges, hindering their air travel experience. This partnership between YVR and the Alzheimer Society of B.C., prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility and strives to create an environment that is both physically accessible and supportive of people affected by dementia. By engaging community experts, implementing thoughtful design, tailoring services and recognizing the diverse needs of air travellers, YVR is working towards fostering a travel experience that is truly inclusive and dementia friendly.”
– Sana Aziz, Strategic Lead, Dementia-Friendly Communities, Alzheimer Society of B.C
Canucks Autism Network (CAN)
“We believe that every community should take action to include and support Autistic individuals. Since 2014, YVR has been among our most impactful partners in increasing autism accessibility. Through our partnered tours and YVR's ongoing delivery of accessibility resources, we have seen the immense benefits of the airport's efforts firsthand.”
- Jenny Carwana, Community Engagement Coordinator for Canucks Autism Network (CAN).
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC
"Partnering with YVR on its accessibility journey has been an honour and a privilege. From the very beginning, YVR's commitment to co-designing an inclusive travel experience with the disability community and disability service organizations has been unwavering. The launch of YVR's Year One Progress Report on Accessibility is a shining example of what's possible when we listen, collaborate, and put the diverse needs of passengers at the heart of every decision. As we look to the future of accessible travel, this report serves as a roadmap for continuous improvement and a reminder that by working together, we can create an environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to explore the world. I commend YVR for its leadership and dedication to making the airport a model of accessibility and inclusion."
– Marco Pasqua, Accessibility Consultant and Provincial Spokesperson for Cerebral Palsy Association of BC
CNIB
"Our goal is to ensure people get to where they need to go, when they need to go –– and accessible infrastructure is essential for many people who are blind or have low vision. We are happy to be partnering with YVR on its commitment to ensuring safe and accessible journeys for all, which is setting a precedent for a future of barrier-free travel. Accountability is key, which is why the progress reports will be an integral piece of moving YVR's Accessibility Plan forward. We applaud what has already been done in ‘Year One’ and look forward for what is to come.”
– Shoko Kitano, Executive Director, BC/Yukon, CNIB
Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN)
"YVR has been a supportive and enthusiastic partner with Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) in providing training and developing resources to create an inclusive travel experience for neurodivergent passengers and their families. As part of the progress report process, YVR consulted with people with lived experience and autism experts on everything from airport design to guest experience services. YVR's commitment to implementing PAFN's feedback is truly opening up the world to the autism community."
- Dr. Fakhri Shafai, Director of Professional Training, PAFN and Chief Science Officer, AIDE Canada.
Spinal Cord Injury BC
“I was pleased and honored to be asked to participate in YVR’s Accessibility Plan alongside other representatives from various community groups. A lot of large organizations have good intentions when it comes to access and inclusion, but they ultimately fall short of basic commitments. I appreciate that the input from myself and of the other various community groups is not only considered but taken seriously as well. For those with physical disabilities the stress of travel can be a lot to overcome, especially around the uncertainty of support and accessibility. Having YVR show commitment to making the travel experience as easy as possible is a step in the right direction for alleviating these concerns. I look forward to continuing to build on our partnership with YVR, and I am excited for what the next step brings!”
– Ryan W Clarkson, Peer Support Program Specialist, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre and Metro Vancouver, Spinal Cord Injury BC
Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility
“Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility congratulates YVR on its outstanding accomplishments over the past year in enhancing accessibility. YVR's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility is evident in this report, which highlights significant progress made this past year. We look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting YVR as it further its commitment to making travel more accessible for all.”
– Christopher T. Sutton, CEO, Wavefront Centre