Last Updated on August 11, 2023
LaGuardia Airport Terminal B has achieved the highest possible rating for accessibility in the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification program, earning Gold from the Canada-based foundation dedicated to raising awareness, changing attitudes, and removing barriers for people with disabilities. This recognition makes LaGuardia Terminal B the first airline terminal in the United States to receive the distinction.
As part of the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport, Terminal B was designed to be accessible for guests with hearing, vision, and mobility disabilities. The Terminal is equipped with hearing loops available at all guest experience desks, intuitive departure board displays in two formats along with color coding to support easy interpretation and gate distance information, accessible assistance at curbside drop-off/check-in service with call button, color-coded wayfinding across the airport, and a calming seating area with sensory stimulation features such as plants and foliage.
Terminal B also offers the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard to guests with disabilities that may not be easy to observe, such as autism, PTSD and hearing loss. The lanyard identifies these guests and communicates that they may need extra help while traveling through the terminal.
The Rick Hansen Foundation program helps organizations understand their level of meaningful accessibility from the people-centric perspective of those with varying disabilities. Using common methodology and language, it provides a roadmap on how to improve, helps organizations prioritize decision making based on data and celebrates achievements in their journey towards improved access.
Over 1,800 sites have been rated through the program to-date with over 1,300 becoming certified.
“Accessibility is a critical part of the Port Authority’s mission to create world class airports, where state of the art technology and thoughtful design will make travel easier and less stressful for passengers of all ability levels,” New York and New Jersey Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said. “Among all the accolades received by Terminal B, we are particularly proud that the new terminal is the first in the nation to be awarded Gold certification by the Rick Hansen Foundation.”
In addition to the Gold RHF Accessibility Certification, LaGuardia Airport, and Terminal B individually, have received multiple awards for excellence. Most recently, Terminal B was named best new airport terminal in the world and awarded five stars by Skytrax.
Over the last two years, Terminal B was awarded the UNESCO Prix Versailles, the world architecture and design award; the National Academy of Construction’s Special Achievement Award; NYC & Company Foundation’s “Visionaries and Voices” award; and awards from the Urban Land Institute New York and the Design-Build Institute of America.
“When I embarked on my ‘Man In Motion World Tour’ in 1985, the vision of a truly inclusive and accessible world for people with disabilities was just a dream. Thanks to the leadership of organizations like the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and LaGuardia Gateway Partners we will get there faster,” Rick Hansen, Founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation, said. “Accessible travel is a critical part of creating a world where we all can participate. Thank you for your commitment to helping to create a world where everyone can go everywhere.”
Hansen’s tour saw him travel more than 40,000 kilometers over 26 months and through 34 countries highlighting inclusivity for people with disabilities and seeking to find a cure for paralysis.
LaGuardia Terminal B opened in 2022; the project, a $5.1 billion public-private partnership (including $4B in construction), finished on time and on budget.
LaGuardia Terminal B is home to Air Canada, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
The Rick Hansen Foundation
The Rick Hansen Foundation was established in 1988. For nearly 30 years, RHF has worked to raise awareness, change attitudes, and remove barriers for people with disabilities.
To learn more about the RHFAC program visit www.RickHansen.com/RHFAC.
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