The Ottawa International Airport Authority is now a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program network to provide an improved passenger experience for people with hidden disabilities.

The Sunflower program, which started at the Gatwick airport in England in 2016, now includes over 200 airports worldwide. As part of the program, a passenger with a hidden disability is invited to wear a bright green lanyard with the iconic Sunflower symbol while at the airport to discreetly alert staff that they may need extra help or additional time throughout the travel process.

Lanyards are available for free at YOW at two locations:

• PARS 2000 (Lost and Found), Terminal - Level 1, South end near carousel 5
• Parking office, Parkade - Level 1, South end

“Providing a barrier-free travel experience has been a priority since the terminal was designed more than twenty years ago, and as our clients’ needs have evolved, we have adapted,” said Mark Laroche, President and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority. “Earlier this year we launched the Airport’s first formal Accessibility Plan in collaboration with industry experts and members of the public. This exercise brought to light new or improved ways to support our community, including joining the Sunflower program. We aim to be ready for the busiest holiday travel season since before the pandemic and hope this program will help facilitate travel that might otherwise have been challenging or not possible.”

"We are delighted to welcome Ottawa International Airport (YOW) to the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network,” said Paul White, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower CEO. “Non-visible disabilities can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and including sensory and processing difficulties. They can also include respiratory, heart, rare diseases and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and chronic pain. It is wonderful to see how YOW has committed time and energy to implement the Sunflower training to ensure that travelling Sunflower wearers are recognised by their staff to receive the additional help, understanding and kindness they may need.” 

The Airport Authority is committed to providing a safe, dignified, and welcoming environment for everyone, and as a transportation provider, must meet requirements under the Accessible Canada Act and the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations.

The Accessibility Plan also includes providing better information and more assistance to travellers. The Airport Authority is working closely with its public-facing partners, from airlines to security screening to concessions, to raise awareness about nurture a more inclusive, understanding and supportive travel culture YOW.

For more information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program and the scope of accessibility services at YOW, visit the Airport’s Accessibility page, email [email protected] or call 613-248-2082.