This text particulars our expertise utilizing the sunflower lanyard whereas travelling extensively with our son, who has a hidden incapacity.
We picked up a sunflower lanyard at Cork Airport in Eire and have used it for each journey since.
My youngest son has autism and ADHD. These are hidden disabilities.
You’ll be able to’t see them whenever you have a look at him, however he struggles intensely with loud noises, huge crowds, standing in queues, and disruptions to routine.
When overwhelmed by this stuff, he begins to soften down, which may result in him vomiting and feeling very in poor health.
On high of the common pressures of journey, it’s nearly an excessive amount of to bear for any household.
You wouldn’t be mistaken in asking why on earth we even trouble to journey as a result of it truly is so laborious.
However instruments just like the sunflower lanyard have made travelling a lot simpler and given me hope that we are able to proceed to journey as a household.
So, for many who aren’t acquainted with the sunflower lanyard, here’s a fast overview of what it’s and the way it works.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard – What Is It?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is an emblem that signifies to others that somebody has a hidden incapacity, reminiscent of autism, nervousness, or a persistent sickness.
Listed below are a number of the most typical questions folks have concerning the Sunflower Lanyard:
What’s the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is a shiny inexperienced lanyard that includes a small sunflower design, which signifies to others that the wearer has a hidden incapacity.
The lanyard is just not connected to a card or tag, however you can add one.
Perhaps dad and mom of autistic children add sensory toys or title tags, something useful.
Ours got here connected to a Cork airport tag, so we’ve stored that there for now.
In case you are within the UK, the Hidden Disabilities Retailer has the most effective vary of playing cards and lanyards accessible (for a small value). You’ll be able to go to their web site right here.
The place Did the Sunflower Lanyard Concept Originate From?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard scheme was created by Gatwick Airport in the UK in 2016.
The airport Accessibility workforce recognised that a lot of their passengers with hidden disabilities have been typically missed and that many struggled to speak their wants or to obtain applicable help.
They began to discover the thought of utilizing an emblem and engaged with native and nationwide charities to evaluate whether or not the idea would profit folks with hidden disabilities.
After discussions with numerous organizations and people, the Sunflower was chosen as an emblem to point that an individual has a hidden incapacity and should require extra help or help.
Who can put on the Sunflower Lanyard?
Anybody who has a hidden incapacity can put on the Sunflower Lanyard. This consists of folks with bodily, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.
What does the Sunflower Lanyard imply?
The Sunflower Lanyard signifies that the wearer has a hidden incapacity and may have extra help, endurance, or understanding in sure conditions.
The place can I get a Sunflower Lanyard?
Sunflower Lanyards can be found at no cost from many organisations, reminiscent of airports, prepare stations, and supermarkets.
It’s also possible to buy them on-line from numerous retailers.
Do I must disclose my incapacity to put on the Sunflower Lanyard?
No, you don’t want to reveal your incapacity to put on the Sunflower Lanyard. It’s a voluntary image, and the wearer can select whether or not or to not clarify the which means behind it.
Will carrying the Sunflower Lanyard give me any particular privileges or entry?
No, carrying the Sunflower Lanyard doesn’t present any particular privileges or entry.
It serves as a visible cue to others that the wearer has a hidden incapacity and may have extra help or understanding.
What ought to I do if I see somebody carrying a Sunflower Lanyard?
In the event you see somebody carrying a Sunflower Lanyard, you may supply your help and understanding.
You may additionally need to give them extra area or time if wanted and be affected person and accommodating in any interactions you may have with them.
Our Expertise Utilizing the Sunflower Lanyard
So now you might be in control on what the Sunflower lanyard is and the way it’s used, I want to share our expertise utilizing it on our current travels.
I’m itemizing by airport visited; this listing will develop as our expertise widens.
Cork, Eire
We departed from a really relaxed Cork airport within the off-season, so we didn’t want plenty of assist.
Nonetheless, the bags screening workers checked in with us, asking if every little thing was okay and if we would have liked any assist.
Valencia, Spain
Arrival on this airport was positive, very relaxed once more, and no assist was wanted.
Departure was throughout a busier time, and we used the particular help choice to board first (Ryanair recognises the Sunflower lanyard, as per their hyperlink right here).
Dublin, Eire
Dublin has their very own program and doesn’t formally take part within the sunflower lanyard scheme, BUT in our expertise, they make the identical lodging.
We have been allowed within the particular help line to have our hand baggage screened after which delivered to the entrance once we went by US Preclearance (accessible in Dublin airport and an absolute godsend when flying to the States).
We have been allowed to board first, and workers have been often chatting with us and checking in to see if we have been okay or wanted any assist.
Irish hospitality is next-level superb.
Details about Dublin’s very personal Necessary Flyer scheme may be discovered right here
Orlando, United States
We arrived at MCO on New Yr’s Eve, and it was chaotic; nonetheless, the US Preclearance meant we didn’t want any further time or to skip any queues.
Dallas Fort Value, United States
The agent at baggage screening at DFW corralled us into the common queue for screening, even after I informed him and confirmed him that we had the lanyard. No particular help was supplied.
Sydney, Australia
Switch airport – have been allowed to the entrance of the (very lengthy) queue, which was fabulous after a 16hr50m flight from Dallas.
No dramas or questions, I shortly requested in the event that they recognise the lanyard, they usually responded by bringing us to the entrance of the queue.
Christchurch, New Zealand
We arrived in Christchurch, a soothing airport regardless and didn’t require a lot lodging as there have been no queues.
The customs officer was pleasant to my children, however that’s regular.
I’ll replace you subsequent time we fly out of Christchurch.
Have you ever flown with the Sunflower Lanyard and had a great expertise (or in any other case)?
I’m opening feedback on this article for folks to share their experiences utilizing the sunflower lanyard. I’d adore it should you may share your expertise with as a lot useful element as potential.
