Toronto Pearson is designed to be an inclusive and accessible environment, offering a wide range of services and technologies to assist passengers with physical, sensory, cognitive or invisible disabilities.
Mobility assistance and wheelchairs
To ensure a smooth experience, it is recommended to request assistance at least 48 hours in advance through your airline. Airport staff can assist you from check-in to the boarding gate, as well as during arrival procedures.
- Self-service wheelchairs: If you do not require staff assistance but need support to move around, free Staxi wheelchairs are available in the departures areas of both terminals.
- Electric carts: In the secure (post-security) areas of the terminals, transport carts operate to facilitate movement to more distant boarding gates.
Assistance for visual impairments
The airport incorporates technological solutions to support orientation for people with low vision or blindness:
- Aira: An app that connects users with trained agents who, via the phone’s camera, provide real-time guided navigation free of charge within the airport.
- BlindSquare: A GPS navigation platform that uses beacons to provide descriptive information about the surroundings and nearby points of interest.
Cognitive and invisible disabilities
Toronto Pearson is a pioneer in support programmes for passengers with non-visible needs:
- Sunflower Lanyard: This programme allows passengers with invisible disabilities (such as autism, sensory processing disorder or dementia) to discreetly indicate to staff that they may need more time or additional assistance. They can be requested at information desks.
- MagnusCards: A free app offering “card decks” with step-by-step guides for airport processes such as check-in, security screening and baggage reclaim, helping reduce anxiety and improve independence.
Service animals and therapy dogs
Service animals and guide dogs are welcome in all public and boarding areas. The airport provides clearly marked pet relief areas both in public zones and in post-security transit areas.
In addition, the volunteer programme of St. John Ambulance deploys therapy dog teams that walk through the terminals to help reduce stress and anxiety among travellers.
Communication and hearing technology
For passengers with hearing difficulties or language barriers, the following resources are available:
- Teletypewriters (TTY): Available on all terminal levels and at Terminal Link train stations.
- LanguageLine: Real-time video and audio interpretation service enabling communication in more than 240 languages, including sign language.
Accessible infrastructure
All restroom facilities are wheelchair accessible. In addition, the airport offers specialised changing facilities known as Changing Places, equipped with height-adjustable benches and hoist systems for adults with complex personal care needs. These are located in Terminal 1 (international arrivals) and Terminal 3 (international arrivals).
Accessible transport
All internal transport systems, including the Terminal Link train, are fully accessible. Public transport services (UP Express, TTC, GO Transit) and licensed taxis at Pearson provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and do not charge additional fees for transporting mobility equipment.