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Individuals with a disability or who require additional support can now sign up to receive a personalized, step-by-step tour of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) before they fly.
The new Passenger Rehearsal Program at YWG marks the first sustained, individualized service of its kind at any airport in Canada. The program aims to help all passengers feel comfortable and confident navigating airport procedures and the traveller experience in advance of their next trip.
“Winnipeg Airports Authority is proud to be the first airport in Canada to launch a personalized and ongoing Passenger Rehearsal Program to help meet the needs of our community when travelling,” said Barry Rempel, president and chief executive officer of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate not only our commitment to service excellence but also to create a more accessible and inclusive airport environment for all.”
The program is offered year-round for travellers to arrange a tailored tour close to their date of travel. Each tour can be customized to mirror one’s upcoming travel itinerary and is led by a knowledgeable airport guide. The personalized tour aims to support individuals who may require additional time or have conditions that require special consideration. This may be the case for a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Alzheimer’s disease, who may be sensitive to the many stimuli typical to airports, such as high frequency noises at security or densely populated areas.
“For people who may need extra support or accommodations, the opportunity to have a personalized tour of the airport and a firsthand experience is welcomed news,” said Janet Forbes, executive director for Inclusion Winnipeg. “Starting from their arrival at the airport and through all the steps to being in their seat and onto their destination, this experience will help to relieve the anxiety of not knowing what to expect.”
WAA is excited to build more one-on-one connections with members of the community, including family members or caregivers who register alongside a program participant. This is an opportunity to create more stress-free and enjoyable airport experiences for all at YWG and to accommodate any requests the airport receives in this area in a meaningful way for years to come. The airport guide is committed to providing the best tour for each person, but travellers need to have a confirmed booking in advance to participate in the Passenger Rehearsal Program.
