Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport New Disabilities Program
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport launches Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport today 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 discreet 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.
“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.”
“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 info@nieuport.com 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.
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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an award-winning gateway to Canada’s largest city, offering unmatched convenience just minutes from downtown Toronto. Serving passengers since 1939, the airport provides service to more than 20 cities across Canada and the U.S., with connections to more than 100 global destinations through its airline partners, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility opening soon.
Renowned for its accessibility, stunning skyline views and 98% passenger satisfaction rating, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport supports critical regional services, including medical travel and medevac operations through Ornge. It is also a key economic driver, supporting more than 4,000 jobs (2,000 directly associated with its operations) and generating approximately $2 billion annually for the regional economy.
Committed to sustainability, the airport is a three-time recipient of the Airports Council International–North America’s Environmental Achievement Award and is certified under Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto. Nieuport Aviation is the terminal partner and operates the airport’s complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown Toronto.