CASE STUDY: Championing accessibility at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport with Hearing Loops
- lbaraniuk
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, 1970 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. R3H1C2 www.ywg.ca
Completion Date of project: December 2024
Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) has taken a significant step toward inclusivity by introducing hearing loop technology throughout its terminal. This initiative, spearheaded by Julie Chapko, Accessibility and Operations Support Specialist, demonstrates YWG’s commitment to creating a barrier-free environment for all travellers, particularly those with hearing loss. The project was brought to life through the expertise of Inland Audio Visual, which handled the design, sales, and installation of the hearing loop systems.
Recognizing a gap in accessibility for passengers who are hard of hearing, Chapko and her team set out to implement assistive technology that has long been a standard in Europe and is gaining traction in North America. “We’re so excited to launch hearing loops at YWG to create a more inclusive and accessible travel experience for passengers with hearing loss,” said Chapko. When asked of her experience working with Inland AV, she said "The Inland team demonstrated exceptional focus and patience throughout the installation of our Hearing Loops. They worked seamlessly around our busy airport operations, adapting efficiently while we waited for counters to become available. Their professionalism and coordination ensured a smooth process, ultimately enhancing accessibility for our passengers."
Hearing loops work by transmitting sound directly to telecoil-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants via a magnetic field, significantly reducing background noise in busy public spaces. This technology enhances clarity and understanding, ensuring that passengers can navigate the airport with greater ease. As an internationally accepted standard for hearing accommodation, hearing loops are always active once installed, making them simple and discreet for users.
At YWG, hearing loops have been strategically installed at key locations, including 34 check-in counters, the information booth on the first floor, and two valet desks. These systems are marked with the universal hearing loop sign for easy identification. For those without telecoil-enabled devices, compatible headsets are available upon request.
The implementation involved 39 Contacta SUPA-M300 Hearing Loop kits across kiosks and desk stations. Additionally, ten sets of RX30 headphones and two 5-bay charging stations (RX30-DC5-PS) were provided.
Inland AV’s role was pivotal in bringing this vision to life. Inland AV’s Senior Key Account Executive Duane Ryan, who initiated the company’s partnership with the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, said “We’re proud to have completed the hearing loop installation at YWG. This project underscores our commitment to enhancing accessibility and innovation in public spaces while delivering efficient, high-quality solutions for our clients.”
This initiative not only enhances communication access for individuals with hearing loss but also sets a new standard for accessibility in airports across North America. With the announcement of Phase 2 coming in 2025 to outfit gate counters with Hearing Loops, YWG’s commitment to inclusivity is clear: every passenger deserves an equitable travel experience.
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