Halifax Stanfield introduces new accessibility services

Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) has launched three new accessibility programs and services to help remove barriers at Halifax Stanfield.

“Our goal at Halifax Stanfield is to provide a seamless and accessible experience for every traveller,” said Joyce Carter, president and CEO at HIAA, in a press release. “The introduction of these new accessibility programs and services marks a significant step forward in achieving that goal. We are excited to offer more innovative solutions to travellers and airport visitors, further demonstrating our commitment to creating a barrier-free airport environment.”

The first option is the Sunflower Program, which offers travellers and airport visitors with non-visible disabilities and needs to signal to airport employees that they may require additional support.

Individuals who are travelling through Halifax Stanfield and reside in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island who wish to participate in the Sunflower Program may receive a complimentary lanyard or pin by request through the Halifax Stanfield website.

“The Sunflower Program shows us the airport is committed to accessibility, inclusivity and ensuring everyone feels seen and supported,” said Jill Cormier, Autism Nova Scotia’s inclusion and family support supervisor and AIDE Canada’s Atlantic hub coordinator.

The second is the Aira App, which, in combination with a smartphone, allows travellers to connect to Aira-trained professionals for on-demand assistance to visual information to help them as they navigate the airport.

The app provides on-demand, remote visual interpretation services with interpreters who are certified and undergo comprehensive Aira training.

And lastly is Hearing Loops, a technology designed to improve the understanding of speech for individuals with compatible hearing aids or cochlear implants.

The loops broadcast sound that is received by telecoils (T-coils) in hearing aids and cochlear implants that translate their signal into sound.

“The Hearing Loops at Halifax Stanfield has significantly improved my travel experience,” said community member Dwight Habermehl. “By eliminating background noise and delivering clear audio directly into my hearing aid, it has made interactions at check-in counters and information desks much easier. This technology ensures that I don’t miss any important information, making my airport visit much more enjoyable.”

Hearing Loops can be found at all check-in counters (Domestic, International and U.S.), all gates, volunteer booths, the Nova Scotia Tourism Visitor Information Centre and Ground Transportation booth.

All three programs and accessibility services are now available to individuals with visual and hearing impairments and hidden disabilities.

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