Secret airport feature for Aussies with 'hidden' issue
Most people will agree that navigating an airport, whether it's for domestic or International travel, can be a stressful experience. But for those travellers who require extra support, time or understanding, it can be especially challenging – particularly when staff can't easily identify that fact.
One Aussie mum has heaped praise on a local airport for adopting a little-known feature to help those in need. Dr Kristyn Sommer recently travelled from her home on Queensland's Gold Coast to Sydney wearing a green lanyard featuring daisies on it. The simple and subtle item sent a message to staff that she has a hidden disability that meant she required extra support. It's something that airports around the country have quietly adopted.
"I've had an autism diagnosis for a couple of years," Kristyn, a developmental psychology academic at Griffith University told Yahoo News, adding that busy airports can be a "trigger point" for her.
She was keen to give the lanyard "a go" to see if it was beneficial for her while travelling after first noticing posters for the program last November. "I saw big sunflower signs last time I was walking through the airport," she explained, adding she thought it was a "really cool" initiative.
The night before her most recent trip in February, she applied through the Gold Coast Airport website to receive a pack before she travelled. While checking in, she let staff know she was looking to receive a pack and was able to get her green lanyard as well as a few extra informational tools.
She said the process was simple and the experience with staff at Gold Coast airport was "phenomenal".
While she said it sometimes makes her feel "more self-conscious" to identify herself as someone with a hidden disability, she's keen to use the lanyard again when she travels internationally later this year to effortlessly communicate her needs.
A spokesperson from Gold Coast airport said the program was introduced in 2019 to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all travellers.
The lanyards are available for free in the terminal or can be requested ahead of arrival. Other tools include a terminal sensory map, communication boards and an airport activity book. The airport also has a therapy dog initiative which sees trained volunteer therapy dogs visit the terminal.
Staff at the airport have undergone specialised training to better understand hidden disabilities and to recognise the sunflower symbol and offer the appropriate support when required.
"The response from the community on our extensive Hidden Disabilities program has been overwhelmingly positive," the spokesperson said.
"The program has also played an important role in raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about accessibility in travel."
After sharing a video of the experience online, which has been viewed by millions, Kristyn believes that most people "don't know" that the program exists.
While some accused Kristyn of trying to "skip lines", she said that's "not what it's for".
"It's not about skipping lines or getting through the airport faster, it just puts us on an equal footing and [is] a signal to others," she said. She added that despite some criticism, it's "really nice" to see the hidden disabilities message reaching people.
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The idea for the green sunflower lanyard came about in 2016 when the accessibility team at Gatwick Airport in the UK were looking for a way for those with non-obvious disabilities to gain extra support.
After several consultations with relevant charities, the idea of the sunflower was created to reflect the idea of confidence, growth and strength by those who have hidden disabilities.
The sunflower can be voluntarily worn to discreetly make others aware that you have a condition or disability that may not be apparent, but you may need an extra helping hand, understanding or time not only in airports but shopping centres, public transport and at work. You can learn more about the initiative here.
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