The Sunflower Lanyard Program: Supporting Hidden Disabilities While Traveling

Traveling with an invisible disability can be challenging, but the Sunflower Lanyard Program offers a simple solution to make the journey smoother. This program provides a green lanyard with yellow sunflowers, a visual cue that the wearer may need extra considerations or support. Despite being voluntary and relatively unknown in many parts of the world, the program has the potential to make a significant impact. Here’s Robin’s story of how she discovered and embraced this initiative.

Our Introduction to the Sunflower Lanyard

Our family first encountered the Sunflower Lanyard Program during a trip to Bletchley Park in London in the fall of 2023. The museum staff informed us about the program and provided our daughter a lanyard. The program launched in 2016 in London was new to us, but we quickly saw its value as we continued our journey through Denmark and France. The staff member explained that the lanyard is more common in Europe and would be especially helpful in international airports, signaling to staff that we might need extra time or assistance.

The website states: The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for people to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that they may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.

How do you get a Sunflower Lanyard?

The availability of Sunflower Lanyards can vary between airports and may change over time. To get a lanyard, check if your airport offers them by visiting the information or customer service desk upon arrival. They are typically free and may require a brief explanation of why you need one. It’s best to check directly with the airport or their official website for the most current information.

Airports that are known to hand out Sunflower Lanyards are:

London Heathrow Airport (LHR), UK
Gatwick Airport (LGW), UK
Manchester Airport (MAN), UK
Birmingham Airport (BHX), UK
East Midlands Airport (EMA), UK
Edinburgh Airport (EDI), UK
Dublin Airport (DUB), Ireland
Orlando International Airport (MCO), USA
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), USA
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), USA
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), USA
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), USA
Sydney Airport (SYD), Australia
Auckland Airport (AKL), New Zealand
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands
Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany
Dubai International Airport (DXB), UAE
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore
Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea
Brussels Airport (BRU), Belgium
Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), Spain
Lisbon Airport (LIS), Portugal
Oslo Airport (OSL), Norway
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), Sweden
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), Finland
Vienna International Airport (VIE), Austria
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Hong Kong
Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey

The Symbolism Behind the Sunflower Lanyard

Curious about the origins of the Sunflower Lanyard, we delved into the program’s website and discovered that the sunflower was chosen for its positive connotations. The website states, “We searched for a discreet sign clearly visible from a distance as well as being distinctive, joyful, and dynamic. We chose a sunflower as it suggests happiness, positivity, strength, growth, and confidence and is universally known.”

A Positive Experience in London

Leaving London, we experienced firsthand the benefits of the Sunflower Lanyard. At the airport security checkpoint, the staff recognized the lanyard and invited my daughter to complete her security check in a less busy area, making the process much less stressful. This considerate approach left a lasting impression, highlighting how small gestures can significantly improve the travel experience for individuals with invisible disabilities.

Seeing the Lanyard in Action

Throughout our travels in Denmark, particularly at the Lego House, we noticed many children wearing the cheerful green sunflower lanyard. Although we didn’t know the specifics of their invisible disabilities, the children chatted cheerfully over the common bond of having Sunflower Lanyards. This visual cue fostered a heartwarming connection and mutual support.

Advocacy and Awareness

As a family who travels extensively, we are passionate about raising awareness for the Sunflower Lanyard Program. We hope to see this program adopted widely, making it known to airlines, airports, and other public spaces. Our daughter’s invisible disability is a part of her unique self, and we believe that promoting understanding and support for invisible disabilities can create a more welcoming world.

It is our hope to make the Sunflower Lanyard Program internationally known, as well as with every single airline.

The Impact of the Sunflower Lanyard

The Sunflower Lanyard is not just a symbol; it’s a tool that helps individuals with invisible disabilities navigate their daily lives more comfortably. Whether in fast-paced security lines or other public spaces, this simple lanyard can make a significant difference. The program aims to make the invisible visible, ensuring that individuals who need extra support are better accommodated.

A Moment of Belonging

One particularly emotional moment for me was in the London airport, just after we had passed through security. Sitting on a bench, holding my daughter and watching the bustling crowd, I noticed a TSA agent wearing the same green sunflower lanyard. The sight brought tears to my eyes, as it symbolized a sense of belonging and understanding in a typically chaotic environment. The lanyard provided a practical benefit and offered emotional relief, knowing that others recognized and supported our needs. As a parent of a child with an invisible disability, I can only describe the feeling of heartwarming connection I have when I see another individual wearing the lanyard.

The Sunflower Lanyard Program has been a big support for our family during our travels. It’s a simple yet powerful way to promote awareness and provide assistance to those with invisible disabilities. We hope to see this program continue to grow and make a difference for many more families around the world.

For more information about the Sunflower Lanyard Program, please visit their website.

Hear More About it in this Non-Rev Lounge Podcast Episode

Do you want to hear more about traveling with a special needs kid? In this episode of Non-Rev Lounge, Tyler, Monica, and Lara chat with Chris, Robin’s husband and a pilot. Join them as Pilot Chris shares his insights on the Sunflower Lanyard and its impact on their family’s non-rev journeys worldwide.

About Robin: Robin is passionate about flying, family, teaching, cooking, art, music, sewing, and exploring the world. She admits to not enjoying the logistics of travel but relishing the experience of new places and cultures. Robin’s blog is a space where she connects with herself and others. She acknowledges the diverse ways words can be interpreted and strives to convey her heart, experiences, and thoughts with clarity and sincerity.