April 3, 2024

Victoria International Airport Launches Accessibility Initiative MagnusCards

VICTORIA, BC – April 3, 2024 – As part of World Autism Month, Victoria Airport Authority (VAA), in partnership with Magnusmode, has launched a new accessibility initiative, MagnusCards^®, to assist travellers.

MagnusCards is a smartphone application available for iOS and Android, created by the Canadian company Magnusmode, offering travellers step-by-step visuals, audio, and text how-to’s to make everyday activities more manageable for people of all abilities.

“This initiative supports our commitment to improving the passenger experience at Victoria International Airport (YYJ) by reducing barriers for travel and ensuring that everyone that uses our airport can navigate their journey safely and efficiently,” said Elizabeth M. Brown, VAA President and CEO.

MagnusCards is particularly useful for visual learners, and anyone who can receive help from structured visual guidance can benefit from the app. MagnusCards can support a variety of travellers, including Autistic, Elderly, Neurotypical children and teens, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury and English as a second language.

“Each of the six Card Decks are customized with our airport’s photography including audio and plain language descriptions that provide instructions for processes that are reflective of what one can expect at YYJ,” said Anita Kardos, VAA Communications and Passenger Experience Officer.”

Assisting travellers to feel more comfortable and independent, the Card Decks will offer a guide from check-in at the airport, going through security screening, finding food and shopping, boarding a plane, landing and getting your baggage and getting assistance.

“I created MagnusCards to help people like my autistic brother, to do the things he wants to do and go to the places he needs to go with greater ease and comfort,” said Nadia Hamilton, Founder and President of Magnusmode, the company that created MagnusCards. “Victoria International Airport joins other Canadian Airports with customized Card Decks to reduce barriers to participation and support people to experience the wonder and freedom of travel.”

Travellers and their caregivers can the find the free MagnusCards app at www.victoriaairport.com. The Card Decks are available in English and French.

About Magnusmode
Magnusmode created MagnusCards and was founded by Nadia Hamilton, whose brother Troy is autistic. When Troy graduated from high school, there were few opportunities for continued personal and social development. This inspired Nadia to start a company that leverages technology to empower and support people with cognitive special needs. MagnusCards is a fun digital life skills guide that helps people thrive and gain independence. The free app is available for download for iOS and Android.

About Victoria Airport Authority
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is the 11^th 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.