Toronto Pearson Launches Innovative Technology to Support Accessibility for those with Cognitive Special Needs

TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - As part of Autism Awareness month in Canada, Toronto Pearson is proud to be the first airport in the world to partner with MagnusCards, an app offering digital how-to guides (Card Decks) for people with autism and other cognitive special needs. The introductory Toronto Pearson set of ten Card Decks offers a personal step-by-step guide 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.

With a focus on improving the passenger experience for more than 44 million passengers per year, Canada's largest airport is the first in the world to use MagnusCards' innovative digital approach to address the needs of travellers 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.

"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" said Scott Collier, Vice President, Customer and Terminal Services at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "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."

MagnusCards, developed in Canada, leverages technology to empower and support people to ensure they can navigate a variety of daily functions, with support from the photos and step-by-step instructions provided on the Card Decks. Toronto Pearson Airport Card Decks are part of a growing suite of leading venues and brands, including CIBC and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, who use the cards to help their customers navigate these diverse environments.

"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" said Nadia Hamilton, Founder and President of Magnusmode, the company behind MagnusCards, "Toronto Pearson Airport Card Decks reduce barriers to participation and support people worldwide to experience the wonder and freedom of travel."

Passengers and their caregivers can find the free MagnusCards app at http://torontopearson.magnuscards.com. Each Card Deck includes a photograph, audio and description of steps in the process, helping passengers to feel safer and more comfortable in their experience.

About Magnusmode
Magnusmode is the company behind MagnusCards and was founded by Nadia Hamilton, whose brother Troy has autism. When Troy graduated from high school, there were few opportunities for continued personal and social development. This inspired Nadia to start a company that leverages technology to empower and support people with cognitive special needs. MagnusCards is a fun digital life skills guide that helps people thrive and gain independence. The free app is available for download for iOS and Android.

About Toronto Pearson
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport. Toronto Pearson is focused on becoming the best airport in the world; enhancing the passenger experience, safety and security while supporting the success of its airline partners. With more than 44 million passengers in 2016, Toronto Pearson is Canada's largest airport and second busiest North American international airport.

For more information, please visit Toronto Pearson on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and find the Card Decks at http://torontopearson.magnuscards.com.

SOURCE Greater Toronto Airports Authority

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