YYJ launches Sunflower program for travellers with hidden disabilities

Victoria Airport Authority is joining a worldwide movement to help people with “hidden disabilities” better navigate the airport.

Travellers at YYJ can now receive a free and reusable sunflower lanyard that they can wear throughout their journey. The lanyard is meant to discreetly indicate to airport staff the person may need extra support or a little extra time and patience.

“We are so pleased to bring the Sunflower program to YYJ and continue to demonstrate our commitment to making travel more accessible,” says Elizabeth M. Brown, airport authority president and CEO.

She explains the airport can be stressful for a person with a disability so this is a subtle and easy way staff can make the whole process friendly and inclusive for everyone.

Currently, 240 airports across the world have joined the sunflower program, according to the Hidden Disabilities website.

Invisible disabilities can come in many forms. They can be physical, mental or neurological and include, but not limited to autism, ADHD, cognitive disabilities such as learning difficulties, dementia, mental health conditions, speech challenges and auditory and visual conditions.

They can also include respiratory and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic pain and sleep disorders.

“We’re delighted to have Victoria International Airport as a member of the Sunflower program, helping domestic and international travellers with non-visible disabilities have a smoother travel experience,” says Clare Kumar, regional director of the Hidden Disabilities program in Canada.

The lanyards are available at the customer service desk in the Departures check-in, the information desk in Arrivals and are also included in YYJ’s sensory resource kits.

For more information about this program and other accessibility services, visit yyj.ca.

READ MORE: Victoria International Airport increases accessibility with autism resource kit

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