Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) Launches Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program at Victoria International Airport (YYJ).
The Sunflower program offers individuals with a non-visible disability a discrete way of signalling to airport staff that they may require additional support or a little more time or patience.
“We are so pleased to bring the Sunflower program to YYJ and continue to demonstrate our commitment to making travel more accessible” said Elizabeth M. Brown, VAA President and CEO. “Travel can be additionally stressful for a person with a disability, and this program will help guests know that our airport is a friendly and inclusive space for everyone.”
Invisible disabilities can come in many forms. They can be physical, mental or neurological and include, but not be limited to autism, ADHD, cognitive disabilities such as learning difficulties, dementia, mental health conditions, speech challenges and auditory and visual conditions. They can also include respiratory and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic pain and sleep disorders.
“We’re delighted to have Victoria International Airport as a member of the Sunflower program, helping domestic and international travellers with non-visible disabilities have a smoother travel experience” said Clare Kumar, Regional Director of the Hidden Disabilities program in Canada.
Travellers at YYJ can receive a free and reusable Sunflower lanyard that they can wear throughout their journey that will discreetly indicate to airport staff the person may need extra support or a little extra time and patience. The lanyards are available at the Customer Service Desk in the Departures Check-In, from the Information Desk in Arrivals and are also included in our sensory resource kits. For more information about this program and other accessibility services, please visit our website at www.yyj.ca.
About Victoria Airport Authority
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is the 11th busiest airport in Canada and has been rated one of the top ten most-loved airports in the world by CNN Travel. Winner of the Best Regional Airport in North America award by Airports Council International in 2012, 2014, and 2020, YYJ provides a safe, secure, sustainable, and efficient airport that creates prosperity for our region by connecting Greater Victoria with the world. Victoria Airport Authority has managed the operations at YYJ on behalf of the surrounding communities since April 1, 1997.
About the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Wearing the Sunflower lanyard enables individuals to discreetly indicate that they have a non-visible disability and may need additional assistance, kindness, or simply a little more time. Since the Sunflower was established in the UK in 2016, it has been adopted globally by organizations to support both their colleagues and customers. The Sunflower is recognized across a broad range of sectors – ranging from retail, financial services, transport including over 250 airports, travel and tourism as well as universities, schools and colleges, all the UK railway network, theme parks, supermarkets, leisure facilities, healthcare, financial services, emergency services, theaters and charities.
Media Contract – Victoria Airport Authority
Rod Hunchak – Senior Director, Business Development and Community Relations
Phone: 250-953-7514
Media Contact – Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Holly Tyrer – Communications Manager USA/Canada
holly@hdsunflower.com
View All