As part of Autism Awareness month in Canada, Toronto Pearson International Airport has partnered with MagnusCards, an app offering digital how-to guides for people with autism and other cognitive special needs.
The introductory Toronto Pearson set of 10 guides – known as Card Decks – offers personal, step-by-step advice for passengers who might find the busy airport environment uncomfortable and gives users and their caregivers a chance to learn how to navigate community environments with greater ease and independence.
Scott Collier, vice president, customer and terminal services at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, said, “Toronto Pearson will become the first airport to participate in the program, setting ourselves apart as leaders in accessibility and demonstrating our commitment to creating a universal experience for all passengers.
“We are responding to our passengers who are looking for ways to efficiently navigate Toronto Pearson while travelling with family members with cognitive special needs.”
Canada’s largest airport is the first in the world to use MagnusCards’ innovative digital approach to address the needs of travelers with cognitive special needs. The Toronto Pearson series of Card Decks, which includes common airport processes like checking-in for a flight and going through security screening, is critical to the airport’s mission of ensuring all passengers – including those who need some extra help in the busy airport environment – feel safe and comfortable.
Nadia Hamilton, founder and president of Magnusmode, the company that makes MagnusCards, added, “I created MagnusCards to help people like my brother, who has autism, to do the things he wants to do and go the places he needs to go with greater ease and comfort.
“Toronto Pearson Airport Card Decks reduce barriers to participation and support people worldwide to experience the wonder and freedom of travel.”
