Wichita’s Eisenhower National Airport is now part of a global program that provides support and assistance to disabled travelers.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program allows travelers to discreetly indicate that they have a non-visible disability and they may need extra assistance, understanding or more time. Travelers can wear a Sunflower lanyard, pin, wristband or a retractable Sunflower ID card, allowing them to communicate their needs without disclosing their specific condition.
Wichita Director of Airports Jesse Romo said in a press release, “With this program we hope to ensure that individuals with invisible disabilities feel seen, supported and valued throughout their journey. And the fact that the sunflower is also our state flower, makes it a perfect fit for ICT.”
Around the world, 1 in 7 people live with a disability and that’s approximately 1.3 billion people. While some experience a disability that is visible, many have non-visible conditions. These can be physical, visual, auditory, or neurological and range from autism and ADHD to cognitive impairments such as learning difficulties and dementia, as well as mental health conditions. They can also be respiratory and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic pain and sleep disorders.
Since Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was established in the UK in 2016, it has been adopted globally by businesses and charities to support their colleagues and customers. The Sunflower is recognized across a broad range of sectors – ranging from retail, financial services, transportation, travel and tourism, education, government, as well as healthcare, emergency service and entertainment. Eisenhower Airport joins over 240 airports in over 30 countries, and 17 airlines worldwide that participate in the program.
Airport staff and partners have been trained to recognize the Sunflower symbol and provide assistance and accommodations accordingly. Passengers with hidden disabilities can request a free Sunflower item at the Airport’s Information Desk, airline ticket counters, and the security screening checkpoint.
