Region of Waterloo airport earns top rating for accessibility

The Region of Waterloo Airport is being praised for soaring over the competition when it comes to accessible travel. CTV’s Spencer Turcotte reports.

Accessible travel is being celebrated at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

YKF recently earned a gold certification rating from the Rick Hansen Foundation for its commitment to helping anyone living with disabilities travel with ease.

“We’ve worked really hard to ensure a seamless transition for everyone who uses our terminal building,” said Chris Wood, YKF’s airport director.

The gold rating acknowledges sites of all kinds that demonstrate an exceptional effort to eliminate barriers.

“We’re only one of four airports in the country that have achieved that level,” said Wood.

They’re only the second airport to do so in Ontario. Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is the other.

The accessibility features at the regional airport include:

• Accessible washroom facilities, equipped with grab bars, Life Call and two with an adult change table

• Airline self-serve check-in kiosks that are accessible from a standing or seated position

• Audible alarm and flashing light signal to identify when baggage belts start to move

• Curbside assistance available upon request

• Hearing loops at customer service desks, check-in and gate counters, ensuring staff can clearly be heard through wireless transmission to a passenger’s personal listening device

• Inclusive customer service training program for all staff

• Pet relief areas located inside the departure lounge and outside in front of the domestic arrivals building

• Tactile Braille signage for self-serve check-in kiosks and washrooms

These are all examples of why regional councillor Chantal Huinink, who lives with a disability, said she is proud to live in Waterloo Region.

“It’s a symbol of equity between people with disabilities and people without disabilities,” said Huinink.

She noted that any time she has travelled through YKF, staff have been willing to assist from the moment she arrives.

She added the Air Canada shuttle is also accessible.

“It looks like a bus with stairs so people often miss that there is a lift on it and you only need to tell them in advance that you will be bringing your mobility device,” said Huinink.

The regional councillor said this gold rating doesn’t mean the work is done and she continues to offer suggestions for improvements.

“There are folks with invisible disabilities who may face challenges that are not as visible or are not specific to physical barriers, so we’re working on getting the Sunflower Campaign into the airport, which symbolizes that someone identified with the symbol of this sunflower may need additional support,” said Huinink.

Airport staff said they want to keep making accessible advancements and assure travellers of all abilities that the sky is the limit.