Thursday marked one year since Air Canada’s introduction of its Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. This saw the airline employing sunflower symbols that volunteers can use to signal a non-visible disability.
The airline’s work towards disability access is unmatched. Just last month, Air Canada made sunflower support pins available to its employees to reiterate their assistance for customers with non-visible disabilities. The airline also developed its “Accessibility Plan and Feedback Process” to identify and resolve barriers to travel and employment at Air Canada.
Kerianne Wilson, Director, Customer Accessibility at Air Canada, said:
“Everyone deserves to travel and work with dignity, respect and confidence. The Customer and Employee Accessibility teams, in consultation with the community and our employees, re-imagine how we deliver accessibility services at every step of the customer’s journey, with safety at the heart of everything we do.”
Air Canada revealed a number of events which has led to the programme’s success up to now. As well as that, data has been found which tells how the airline supports its customers, by the number.
A history with disability
Air Canada’s accessibility journey started years ago. They were one of the first airlines to ensure its modern touch screen systems were accessible to blind or low vision customers by adding audio functions. Since then, their technology has expanded and improved.
For example, the airline has introduced measures such as iPads for transcription, eagle lifts, and equipment that allows safer travel to and from the aircraft seat. Air Canada also introduced braille safety feature cards after receiving feedback from the community.
Samuel Eichenwald, Manager, Employee Accessibility & Workplace Accommodation at Air Canada, said:
“When people with disabilities fully participate in society, including workplaces, it benefits everyone as it helps our communities thrive.”
The list truly goes on, but their most recent change features sustainable straws to support independent eating and drinking for those in need.
Last week, Air Canada visited Vancouver International Airport. There, they welcomed a group of customers adapting to life after sustaining a spinal cord injury. The airline says the visit allowed them to provide reassurance and information to these customers. It also improved their awareness and understanding of the needs of disabled customers. So, how many people have Air Canada helped?
Air Canada: By the numbers
According to data from their Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, 1.4 million accessibility requests were received in 2024 representing both visible and non-visible disabilities.
The airline also invested in specialised lift equipment, resulting in the addition of eagle lifts in most Canadian airports. There are now 36 airports with eagle lifts, thanks to Air Canada. Additionally, 26 Canadian airports now support the Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyards.
Finally, 2.29% of Air Canada employees in Canada self-identified as having a disability at the end of 2024. The programme, overall, encourages that such identity is nothing to fear. Air Canada is no stranger to doing things for their community. Their work for mental health is also impeccable, earning themself a gold certificate last year.
Have you experienced Air Canada’s helpfulness? Let us know in the comments!
