Not all disabilities are visible. In 2016 Gatwick airport pioneered a scheme of using a sunflower lanyard to alert staff to customers who have a hidden disability and require extra support.
For example: hearing loss, communication difficulties, dementia, autism.
The sunflower lanyard is now being used in a variety of settings to let others know that a person has a hidden disability. These include:
major airports in the UK (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, East Midlands, Manchester, Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Newcastle)
LNER (London, North East England, Scotland)
participating supermarkets (Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s) are trialling the lanyards in some of their stores. It is hoped that it will be rolled out nationally in the near future.
Some visitor attractions e.g. museums, theme parks, race courses
People with hidden conditions can request the special sunflower lanyards from the airport they are flying from. In addition to the lanyard scheme:
Manchester airport has recently introduced a new Sunflower Room. This space allows passengers to have some time away from the hustle and bustle of the departure area if required
Gatwick North Terminal has a sensory room (please book in advance)
Airport staff can help passengers with lanyards by:
Giving them more time to prepare for security checks and boarding
Letting them stay with family members at all times
Giving them clear instructions to follow
Explaining in detail what they can expect when travelling through the airport
If you require specific assistance please book this with your airline at least 48 hours prior to flying. Many airport websites have information and pictures about what to expect when flying.
Lanyards are free from airports, some railway stations and trial supermarkets and M&S stores. Or you can purchase the sunflower lanyards from the Hidden Disabilities Store.
It is advisable to add to the lanyard specific information about the type of support and/ or help required.
#HiddenDisabilities
By Sarah Winstanley
Speech and Language Therapist
Communication Lincs Ltd because Speech Therapy Matters