sunflower program

The Thunder Bay International Airport is taking steps to be more inclusive for those with hidden disabilities.

The airport authority has announced it has partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, an international initiative that supports people with non-visible disabilities.

“The Sunflower Program started in 2016 at London Gatwick Airport,” says the airport’s director of business development and revenue management, Jackie MacDonald about the growing initiative. “Since 2016, it has grown into a globally-recognized symbol for individuals with non-visible or hidden disabilities.”

The program allows those with hidden disabilities to wear a lanyard displaying a sunflower that will voluntarily share that they may need a helping hand, understanding, navigating or more time at the airport.

“This can range from things such as autism, people dealing with chronic pain, they may have a brain injury,” says MacDonald, adding that also includes people with ADHD, dementia and hearing loss. “In terms of the airport, they could be traveling with anxiety. That’s a huge thing at airports.”

MacDonald says all relevant staff at Thunder Bay Airport have been trained to recognize the symbol and offer assistance to those wearing the sunflower lanyard in a respectful, understanding manner.

Lanyards are available now and can be picked up at the airport at the accessible check-in counter on the main floor of the terminal building or in administrative office on the third floor.

“For us, it’s all about the passenger experience,” says MacDonald. “We always want to make sure our passengers have a positive experience when traveling through our airport.”