sunflowers

Awareness about something that is so simple to accommodate helps!

"The sunflower lanyard around my neck [on my way back from Spain] is not a new fashion trend. This is a symbol at airports to alert staff that a passenger has a hidden disability and may need adjustments made for them. For example at Malaga airport a security guard spotted the lanyard around my neck and escorted us straight through to special assistance so that we didn’t have to queue to get through security. For children who like to line things up ironically a lot of autistic children find queuing impossible. Supermarkets are now trialling the use of sunflowers lanyards too. I hope that more places will follow suit. My message is if you see someone wearing a sunflower lanyard just be aware that they or someone with them may have a hidden disability. They may not be throwing a tantrum because they didn’t get to have a biscuit. They are likely having a complete sensory meltdown - not by choice but because they are overwhelmed. Perhaps you could do a good deed and allow them to jump ahead of you in the queue. Or allow them a little more space. I’m not saying we need preferential treatment or to bend the rules - I am saying sometimes small adjustments can and should be made and will go a long way to making that family’s experience a little easier that day. Please tell people about the sunflower lanyard scheme - sharing is caring. And the more people who are aware the more awareness will be raised."

And here is more information:
Going on holiday can be a busy time for lots of families! From packing and getting to the airport on time to making it through security and getting through the crowds to board your flight - there's no doubt that while travelling is exciting, it's also pretty stressful.

For people with hidden disabilities, the experience can be even more difficult. Being in a busy environment with hundreds of other passengers may leave some feeling overwhelmed and anxious. It's not always easy for people with hidden disabilities to ask for help. Some passengers feel they'll be judged if they ask for help from airport staff and it can also be frustrating trying to explain symptoms that can't be seen to others.

What are airports doing about it?
A scheme, which is supported by charities, has been introduced where a strap worn around your neck (called a lanyard) lets others know that you have hidden disabilities. This was first introduced by Gatwick airport in 2016, and since then, nine other airports across the UK have also welcomed the scheme. People with hidden conditions can ask for special sunflower lanyards. These are bright green in colour and allow airport staff to easily and discreetly identify passengers who may need extra assistance.

In addition to the lanyard scheme, Manchester airport has recently introduced a new Sunflower Room. This allows passengers to have some time away from the hustle and bustle of the departure area if needed. According to airports and charities, both the sunflower scheme and the new Sunflower Room have received positive feedback from customers.

What else are airports doing to help passengers with hidden disabilities?

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

Where else can sunflower lanyards be used?

The sunflower lanyard scheme has seen a lot of success in UK airports. Other transport providers have also started to offer the lanyards and supermarkets are getting involved too. It's also appearing in supermarkets - both Sainsbury's and Tesco are currently trialling the sunflower scheme in a number of their stores.

A Sainsbury's spoke person told Newsround: "We know our customers and colleagues are excited about our sunflower lanyard initiative and we are too. We're just making some final touches to the scheme before we roll it out nationally."

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