WhyYZ - Accessibility services at Pearson

The WhyYZ series is a helpful guide that answers questions about your experience at our Healthy Airport. We feature experts from across the Toronto Pearson community, answering frequently asked questions so that when you’re ready to travel, you can feel confident that we’ll help you do it safely and comfortably.

December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This is a time to promote an understanding of disability issues and reflect on the work that remains to be done to mobilize further support for persons with disabilities. Accessibility at Toronto Pearson is about creating an experience of air travel that enables everyone to participate fully in the exhilaration of exploration, as well as the enjoyment of reuniting with friends and family.

We recently spoke with Dorota, Senior Representative, Passenger Care who shares a few of the services we offer that help persons disabilities travel confidently, comfortably and more independently.

Hi Dorota. What services does Toronto Pearson offer for people with autism?

Our Sunflower Lanyard Program allows passengers with an invisible disability, such as autism, to self-identify without having to explain their needs. The program provides a discreet way for passengers to communicate they may need extra help or more time to complete a task while travelling through Pearson, allowing them to maintain their dignity and independence for a more comfortable and enjoyable airport experience.

We’re proud to be the first Canadian airport to launch the Sunflower Lanyard Program, which is highly recognized in the U.K. and is gaining more popularity in airports around the world.

If I’m deaf or hard of hearing and will be travelling soon. What type of assistance can I expect?

Another program we began offering last year is LanguageLine, a live language translation service used to help airport information staff communicate effectively with passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who have a limited knowledge of English. Passengers can connect directly to an interpreter, 24 hours, 7 days a week in the language they need, including American Sign Language, British Sign Language and audio translation for over 240 spoken languages. Learn more

When travelling with a service animal, where can I take them to relieve themselves in the airport?

Travelling pets are welcome at Pearson Airport! Pet Relief Areas are available in Terminals 1 and 3, pre- and post-security, so no matter where you’re travelling, you can find a comfortable space for your pet to relieve themselves.

International arriving passengers in Terminal 1 can take their furry companions to our new pet relief area, equipped with an in-ground flush system to keep the area clean. Find out more and view a list of the exact locations.


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