YVR and Pacific Autism Family Network Reimagine Travel for Neurodiverse Families

Musqueim region/Richmond, British Columbia, April 30, 2024 /CNW/ – Today, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) are wrapping up April Autism Inclusion Month by announcing two important initiatives to support the neurodiverse community. The first was the launch of a series of interactive travel training videos created through a partnership with YVR, PAFN, and AIDE Canada.

YVR Logo (CNW Group/Vancouver Airport Authority)

The busy and stressful atmosphere of airports can be difficult for people with high nerves. To address this concern, YVR, PAFN, and AIDE Canada combined their expertise to develop a video series that simulates a travel experience from the back streets to the cloud. These on-demand videos allow individuals to familiarize themselves with various travel processes and enable them to approach real-life travel situations with confidence.

“YVR is a diverse global hub and we remain committed to meeting the highest standards of accessibility and inclusion.” Tamara VroomanPresident and CEO Vancouver international airport. “A little bit of planning ahead can make all the difference to your trip. Through our partnership with PAFN and AIDE Canada, YVR is proud to provide a valuable resource to people with high sensitivities and others. , anyone feeling anxious about the experience can travel with confidence.''

This three-part series was developed with the participation of key members of the airport ecosystem and covers critical travel processes such as check-in, security procedures, boarding the aircraft, and customs clearance after international travel. doing. Video interactive tools designed to provide hands-on guidance allow users to navigate through typical airport scenarios, interact with personnel, and observe the results of their choices, providing real-world Promotes confidence in travel situations.

“We're excited to support the neurodiverse community by showcasing the wonders of travel and what they can expect through these interactive travel training videos. By seeing Air Canada's aircraft and staff in these videos, “We also hope that through this program, along with Hidden Disability Himawari's adoption and recognition, neurodiverse people and their families will soon have the confidence to travel.” christiana scottDirector – Air Canada Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Video featuring neurodiverse actors Kayla Tellier Available at AIDE Canada's Website.

In addition to supporting our training video series, YVR provides comprehensive support for our workforce, from front-line workers such as Guest Experience and Green Coat volunteers to staff in diverse fields such as fire and rescue personnel. We offer neurodiversity inclusion training. These training programs focus on best practices for communicating and supporting people in neurodiverse communities, ensuring a welcoming, safe, and supportive journey for all passengers. Invitation to training session. Fakhri Shafai Expanded to other organizations, including but not limited to RCMP, Canadian Air Transport Security Agency (CATSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (US CBP), and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) personnel at airports. The organization participated.

“Canada Border Services Agency welcomes thousands of travelers. Canada “We understand that crossing borders on a daily basis can present unique challenges for neurodiverse individuals,” said the CBSA director. Linelle Redmond, Vancouver international airport. “We have an important role to play in removing existing barriers, and we appreciate the opportunity to engage Border Force officers in this training through YVR, PAFN and AIDE Canada.”

“CATSA is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive security screening experience for all travelers.” Jim Doucette, Director of Service Delivery at CATSA. “By participating in this training, our inspectors will learn how to best support nervously diverse passengers through the inspection process, and we are grateful for this opportunity.”

PAFN Chairman and Co-Founder Sergio Cocchia (OBC) Honoring YVR President and CEO Tamara Vrooman We thank her for her leadership and support for the individuals and families affected. He also praised YVR's ability to understand the need to prepare travel experiences from a different and innovative perspective. “Programs are typically geared toward neurodiverse individuals who learn to fit into our communities.Families have dedicated their lives to educating their neurodiverse children how to fit into their communities. “With these new training sessions, we are helping our community adapt to neurodiverse individuals. This is extremely important for all airport partners to promote these forms of inclusivity. and to actively participate in the promotion. ”

the current April 2024, 97% of YVR's guest experience team completes neurodiversity and inclusion training. The sessions are ongoing and have been incorporated into YVR's onboarding curriculum for new volunteers joining the Green Coat Volunteer Program.

For more information about YVR's accessibility plans, please visit the following website: www.YVR.ca/Accessibility

About YVR

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas, and serves as a platform for communities to come together and thrive. We are motivated to support regional economic development and make a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians. We do this with a focus on serving our passengers, partners, employees, and communities through digital modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability.