Fresno Yosemite International Airport

Launches Accessibility Initiative MagnusCards

Fresno, CA (April 22, 2024) – As part of World Autism Awareness Month, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), in partnership with Magnusmode, has launched a new accessibility initiative, MagnusCards^® to assist travelers.

MagnusCards is a smartphone application available for iOS and Android created by Magnusmode that offers travelers step-by-step visuals, audio, and text to make daily activities more manageable for people of all abilities including their travels through FAT. In addition to FAT, MagnusCards are available at a growing list of airports to support users on their travel journey.

“Fresno Yosemite International Airport is pleased to share MagnusCards with our community’s travelers in support of all individuals and families,” said Director of Aviation Henry Thompson. “MagnusCards aligns with our initiatives to help make the airport experience welcoming, comfortable, and inclusive for every traveler to navigate their journey with confidence and ease.”

Each of the five Card Decks are customized for the FAT experience with visual, audio, and plain language descriptions that provide instructions for processes that are reflective of what travelers can expect while navigating the airport.  Users are guided from airline check-in at the airport, getting through security screening, locating shopping and dining, aircraft boarding and collecting baggage upon arrival. FAT partnered with The Arc Fresno/Madera Counties to review the app with their associates for usability and simplicity.

“Fresno Yosemite International Airport continues to prioritize equity and inclusion,” said Tamica Hill, Executive Director, The Arc Fresno/Madera Counties. “The Arc of Fresno and Madera Counties is very impressed with their forward-thinking approach to ensure those with different abilities can access the airport with ease.”

“MagnusCards was inspired by my experiences helping my autistic brother navigate a world that was not designed with his needs in mind. Airports and other public spaces can be overwhelming and confusing environments for everyone, and especially challenging for autistic and neurodivergent individuals,” said Nadia Hamilton, Founder & CEO, Magnusmode. “With MagnusCards, FAT now has a universal support tool beneficial for variety of travelers: autistic, neurodivergent, older adults, non-English speakers, or anyone unfamiliar with the airport. We are extremely proud to welcome Fresno Yosemite International Airport as an Inclusion Partner!”

MagnusCards is particularly useful for visual learners, and anyone who can receive help from structured visual guidance can benefit from the app. The app will help FAT to be accessible for people of all abilities supporting a variety of travelers including autistic and neurodiverse people as well as English as a second language.

“Accessibility is not only about physical accommodations, it’s about fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of ability, can fully participate and contribute to society,” Central Valley Regional Center’s Director of Community Services Aaron Olson shared. “We appreciate the Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s efforts to promote inclusivity through the launch of this app, as it allows many more people the opportunity to spread their wings as they engage in travel experiences.”

Travelers and their caregivers can find the free MagnusCards app at flyfresno.com. The Card Decks are available in English and Spanish.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport – Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is one of the largest drivers in economic activity in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Domestic and international carriers serving FAT offer Valley travelers daily nonstop flights to Chicago (May 2024), Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Guadalajara, León, and Morelia in Mexico and soon Atlanta (June 2024) and Dallas Love Field (June 2024).

Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport are municipally owned entities operating as a self-supporting enterprise.

About Magnusmode

Magnusmode creates practical tools to improve everyday experiences and enable people with neurodiverse abilities to participate in the world in ways that are meaningful to them. Today MagnusCards proudly features more than 55 Inclusion Partners and tens of thousands of users across North America. For more information about Magnusmode and to download the app, visit Magnusmode.com.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @iflyfresno or visit our website at www.flyfresno.com .    

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