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AirportImprovement.com      May | June 2026
PASSENGER EXPERIENCE 
YHZ 
The program currently has 40 
volunteers, but YHZ is in the process of 
growing its roster. Typically, each volunteer 
works a single four-hour shift per week. 
Service for All
The airport also prides itself on leading 
the province and airport industry in 
accessibility. 
In 2019, YHZ was the first facility in 
Nova Scotia to achieve a Gold rating 
through the Rick Hansen Foundation 
Accessibility Certification Program, 
which recognizes organizations that try 
to remove physical barriers for people 
with disabilities.
In 2024, the airport once again 
earned Gold Certification, reaffirming its 
previous status. While HIAA appreciates 
the recognition, it considers accessibility 
a day-to-day expectation. 
“It’s never been 
a question for us,” 
says Air Terminal 
Project Coordinator 
Rachelle Garand. 
“It’s something 
that we consider in 
everything we do.”
Feedback received during the first 
certification rating process helped the 
airport plan its next steps to increase 
accessibility within its facilities.
In 2024, the airport introduced several 
new initiatives:
• The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower 
Program is designed for travelers 
and airport visitors with non-visible 
or less apparent conditions such as 
autism, neurodivergence, dementia 
and many others. By choosing to 
RACHELLE GARAND
FACTS&FIGURES 
Project: Rebranding Volunteer Program; Adding Accessibility 
Services
Location: Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Halifax, NS
Volunteer Program: The Stanfield Wayfinders
Volunteers: 40
Accessibility Partners: Atlantic Accessibility Consulting; 
Autism Nova Scotia; Rick Hansen Foundation
Recent Infrastructure Improvements: Visual fire 
alarms in all staff & public spaces; tactile markings on 
permanent room identification signs; tactile attention indicators 
at the top of all stairs & color contrasting strips along the edge 
of each stair tread; universal changing table in U.S. Departures 
Accessibility Programs: Autism Aviators practice 
travel days; Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program; Airport 
Familiarization Tours
Technology-Based Improvements: The Aira App; 
hearing loops; American Sign Language added to the 
translation app used by volunteers & employees 
Costs: Undisclosed
Key Benefits: Making the airport a more welcoming, 
accessible environment for passengers & visitors; gaining 
feedback & expertise for future improvements  

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