The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is coming to YYC!

We are excited to announce that the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is coming to YYC on June 1, 2023! This initiative aligns with our goal of becoming a barrier-free, inclusive airport for people of all ages and abilities.

What is a hidden disability?

• A hidden disability is one that is not immediately obvious, so you may not always be able to tell if an individual has a hidden disability.
• There are many different types of hidden disabilities – from learning difficulties and chronic or mental health conditions, to mobility, speech, cognitive, hearing, or visual impairments.

What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower ?

• It is a globally recognized tool that provides an opportunity for those with invisible disabilities to get more support along their journey while they travel through the airport.
• The Sunflower icon is a yellow sunflower on a green background, and indicates that the person wearing it, or someone with them, has a hidden disability and may need some support, understanding, or simply a little more time.

Where did the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower come from?

• It began in 2016 when the Accessibility team at Gatwick Airport recognized that some passengers had non-visible disabilities. The program was created to better assist this segment of the travelling public.
• The Sunflower was chosen to reflect confidence, growth and strength, as well as introducing happiness and positivity.

What should you do if you see someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?

1. Ask if you can help.
2. Be kind.
3. Listen closely.
4. Have patience.
5. Do not judge.
6. Show respect.

Stay tuned! We will be sharing more information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, its launch, and educational resources for TeamYYC in the coming weeks. If you would like to learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in the meantime, head to: https://hdsunflower.com