Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport have launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program for passengers travelling to and from the heart of downtown Toronto. The program offers individuals who have a non-visible disability with the option to wear a Sunflower lanyard or sticker, providing a discrete way of signalling to airport staff that they may require additional support or a little more time or patience.

Without a visual cue, it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge or understand the daily barriers faced by people living with a non-visible disability. For those living with such disabilities, the Sunflower lanyard or sticker enables them to navigate their environments confidently, choosing what they share or don’t share about their non-visible disabilities, conditions, or chronic illnesses. For those who work at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the program and associated training equips them with the knowledge and confidence to talk about disabilities, and respectfully and non-intrusively support colleagues and customers with non-visible disabilities.

 

RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto said:

“We are committed to ensuring that all Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport passengers have a positive experience inclusive of their individual needs. By offering discreet, personalized assistance through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, we aim to make travel more accessible and less stressful for those with hidden disabilities, enabling them to feel more confident and supported throughout their journey.” 

 

Neil Pakey, President and CEO, Nieuport Aviation said:

“Our participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program will make the passenger terminal at YTZ a more inclusive place for our travellers. Air travel should be something that everyone can enjoy, and we’re pleased to demonstrate our commitment to accessibility through our membership with such an acclaimed program.”

 

Travellers planning to pass through Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport who have a hidden disability and would like to receive a Sunflower lanyard can email [email protected] at least 24 hours ahead of their arrival at the airport to organize pickup on the day of travel. Alternatively, travellers may pick up a Sunflower sticker anytime on the departures level of our passenger terminal as a means of signalling to airport staff that they have a hidden disability. All Sunflower products will be available free of charge.

For more information about the Sunflower at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, click here.

 

Become a Sunflower Member in six easy steps

  1. Create a business account
  2. Choose and purchase a Sunflower membership
  3. Schedule an onboarding call with our dedicated support team*
  4. Train at least 80% of your workforce using our Sunflower training videos
  5. Choose and purchaseSunflower wearer and ally products
  6. Launch your business as Sunflower-friendly

*depends on  your Sunflower Membership level