Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) recently began its participation in a program to help enhance the travel experience for people with non-visible disabilities, per a report from Spectrum News.
Central Texas’ main air gateway adopted the Hidden (or non-visible) Disabilities Sunflower Program on April 1, and according to the report, provides additional support to passengers living with autism, anxiety disorders, dementia and other unseen disabilities.
Spectrum News reported that the program is touted at airports worldwide.
“As an international airport, it’s our responsibility to provide services that support every passenger,” Ramonika Carr, guest services division manager at AUS, told the website. “With that, we know that airports and air travel can be stressful and at times a daunting experience for individuals, especially those who may have a non-visible disability.”
The airport tweeted that it has Sunflower lanyards for passengers or their companions with non-visible disabilities who may need help.
A press release issued by the City of Austin said that these lanyards can be ordered.
“The green lanyard with sunflowers works as a visual cue and discreet way to indicate to airport staff and other passengers that the wearer (or someone with them) has a non-visible disability and may need a little more time, support or assistance at AUS,” the release stated.
Those in need of a lanyard can contact AUS’s guest services team at AUS.GuestServices@FlyAustin.com or (512)-530-2414 and must do so within 48 hours in advance of their trip, per the city.
According to the Hidden (or non-visible) Disabilities Sunflower Program’s website, it was launched in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2016.
“Businesses from every sector have been joining the global Sunflower network – ranging from retail, travel and tourism, transport including over 200 airports – as well as railway networks, coach and bus services and ferries, education (universities, schools and colleges), healthcare, central and local government agencies to football teams, theme parks, theatres and financial institutions,” the website said.
Aside from the U.S., the program has been launched at the local level in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).