AUSTIN, Texas — A program that enhances the travel experience for people with non-visible disabilities and promotes education regarding their disorders launched April 1, 2023, at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Passengers with autism, anxiety disorders, dementia, Chron’s disease, etc., can be provided with extra support through the Hidden (or non-visible) Disabilities (HD) Sunflower Program.

To take part in the program, passengers (or their companions) with non-visible disabilities must order a Sunflower lanyard to wear while at the airport. It’s a green lanyard with sunflowers that discreetly communicates to staff the wearer (or someone with them) has a non-visible disability and may need more time, support or assistance at the airport. Passengers must request to receive the lanyard in-person 48 hours ahead of their trip or through the mail, which would need to be done seven business days before their travel date. They’re required to contact the AUS Guest Services team via email at AUS.GuestServices@FlyAustin.com or phone them at 512-530-2414.

“AUS is excited to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which is an international program recognized at airports across the world that provides tools to help passengers with non-visible disabilities,” said Ramonika Carr, Guest Services Division manager. “As an international airport, it’s our responsibility to provide services that support every passenger. With that, we know that airports and air travel can be stressful and at times a daunting experience for individuals, especially those who may have a non-visible disability.”

As an internationally recognized program that was launched in 2016 in the United Kingdom, it’s used at over 90 airports throughout North America.

“We are delighted to welcome Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as the fourth airport in Texas to become members of the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. Sunflower wearers travel for many reasons, and the knowledge that barriers are being removed to increase accessibility and inclusion will significantly reduce anxiety and stress for those passengers,” said Paul White, CEO Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

For more information about the HD Sunflower Program and other mobility or accessibility services for people with disabilities, visit www.austintexas.gov/aus-accessibility.