Ahead of this weekend’s Autism Aviation Day with the Air Canada Foundation, Edmonton International Airport (YEG) marked World Autism Awareness Day by unveiling a brand new sensory room.
Advances in Accessibility: Sensory Room Unveiled.
On Wednesday, April 2, Canada’s largest major airport unveiled its new sensory room. Located post-security in the domestic-international departures lounge, the room offers passengers with sensory sensitivities, neurodivergent or cognitive conditions a space away from the bustling airport environment.
The room was developed in collaboration with Autism Edmonton, an organisation dedicated to ‘Enhancing the lives of autistic people through knowledge, services and inclusive opportunities’.
Within the sensory room, passengers may engage with a variety of interactive activities, or simply relax in a quiet space. Activities available include interactive panels for auditory and visual engagement and a 5-foot-wide sensory pad. Furthermore, the room offers colour-changing benches, and a time-lapsed video display of the Northern Lights.
Within the sensory room passengers will also find a row of aircraft seats donated by Air Canada, enabling passengers to familiarise themselves with the in-flight experience ahead of travel.
YEG: The ‘Airport for Everyone’.
Edmonton International Airport is gradually increasing its range of accessibility services, as it strives to be an ‘Airport for Everyone’.
Speaking of the airport’s recent collaborations with the Air Canada Foundation, Vice President of Passenger Experience and Terminal Operations, Carmen Donnelly said:
“YEG is dedicated to being an airport for everyone, and we believe that neurodiverse individuals and their families should have the opportunity to experience the airport and flight process with confidence and comfort. We are grateful to be part of Autism Aviation Days, partnering with Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation, Autism Edmonton and many other organisations that share our vision of creating a welcoming and accessible airport experience for all. We look forward to opening the doors to new experiences and adventures for travellers who may have previously been apprehensive about air travel.”
What changes would you like to see in airport accessibility? Let us know below!
