At an announcement on Wednesday at the airport, Halifax International Airport Authority officials announced they had attained the gold certification standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The airport had done so before in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat you have accomplished here is quite amazing,\u201d said Gerry Post to HSIA. \u201cYou have set quite an example for others to follow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n ADVERTISEMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate banner=”31″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate banner=”188″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n The airport is one of six sites that are gold certified, with many others in the pipeline that hopefully in five years that six will be 60.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He mentioned the Cogswell district in Halifax as being set to a gold certified standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Post said what\u2019s impressed him most about HSIA is its inclusive for all abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMost people with disabilities are invisible you don\u2019t see them,\u201d he said. \u201cYou guys have done terrific work to include them all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s wonderful to see things like this happening not just here in Nova Scotia, but across Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Certified Gold rating reaffirms its status as a leader in accessibility among Canadian airports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dean Bouchard, Vice President, Airport Planning & Development, HIAA, said the recertification marks a significant milestone in Halifax Stanfield\u2019s ongoing commitment to ensuring a welcoming and accessible experience for all passengers, visitors, and airport workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cReceiving the Gold certification once again from the Rick Hansen Foundation is not only an honour but a clear indicator of our unwavering commitment to accessibility,\u201d he told the crowd gathered upstairs at U.S. Departures inside the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams across HIAA and our many partners who supported us in the recertification process.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n ADVERTISEMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate banner=”34″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate group=”6″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n He continued saying the airport’s gold rating is a testament to its continuous efforts to improve its facilities and services to meet the communities\u2019 evolving needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HSIA\u2019s commitment to accessibility was highlighted during the celebration attended by key partners and stakeholders, including Post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHalifax Stanfield\u2019s efforts to enhance accessibility are commendable,\u201d he said. \u201cThe Gold certification is a significant achievement that sets a high benchmark for other institutions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since they got the gold certification in 2019, HIAA has introduced several key enhancements to further improve accessibility, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Visual fire alarms throughout all public spaces, ensuring safety alerts are accessible<\/p>\n\n\n\n to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Safety warning features, such as tactile attention indicators at the top of all stairs<\/p>\n\n\n\n and colour contrasting strips along the edge of each stair tread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Assistive listening and communication enhancement technologies (Hearing Loops).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Tactile markings for permanent room identification signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Implementation of the Aira Explorer mobile app, providing free visual interpretation<\/p>\n\n\n\n services for travellers who are blind or have low vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Implementation of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, offering support to<\/p>\n\n\n\n those with hidden disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 The addition of American Sign Language (ASL) to the Language Line translation app<\/p>\n\n\n\n used by volunteers to improve communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ADVERTISEMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate banner=”232″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate banner=”192″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brad McCannell, VP of Access and Inclusion, Rick Hansen Foundation, said that Halifax Stanfield airport is a crucial community hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTheir recertification and achieving a RHFAC Gold rating is a great example of how their facility continues to stand by their commitment of pursuing new upgrades to improve their accessibility journey,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouchard added that airports are gateways to the world, and everyone deserves the opportunity to travel independently and with dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur focus has always been to go above and beyond to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to navigate Halifax Stanfield with confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_6468-1024x683.jpg\")
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