More Than a Sunflower
If you've ever walked through an airport and noticed someone wearing a green lanyard covered with bright yellow sunflowers, you may have wondered what it meant.
Until recently, I did too.
What looks like a cheerful design is actually part of an international program called Hidden Disabilities Sunflower—a simple, discreet way for someone with a non-visible disability or condition to let others know they may need a little extra patience, understanding, or support. The program began at London's Gatwick Airport in 2016 and has since expanded to hundreds of airports and thousands of organizations around the world.
Not Every Disability Is Visible
Many disabilities cannot be recognized just by looking at someone.
A person may be living with autism, ADHD, hearing loss, PTSD, anxiety, epilepsy, Crohn's disease, dementia, chronic pain, diabetes, a neurological condition, Long COVID, or many other invisible disabilities or medical conditions. They may navigate daily life just fine most of the time, but busy, noisy, and unfamiliar environments like airports can sometimes make travel more challenging.
The Sunflower allows someone to communicate that—without having to explain their personal situation to everyone they meet.
What the Lanyard Does—and Doesn't Do
One thing I found especially important is that the Sunflower lanyard isn't a "VIP pass."
It doesn't move someone to the front of the security line.
It doesn't replace TSA or airline disability services.
It doesn't automatically provide special accommodations.
Instead, it quietly lets trained staff know that the traveler may benefit from a little extra time, clearer communication, patience, or assistance if needed. Participating airports train employees to recognize the symbol and understand how to respond appropriately.
Sometimes, simply knowing someone understands can make a stressful travel day feel much more manageable.
How to Get a Sunflower Lanyard
One of the questions I immediately had was, "Where do you get one?"
The answer depends on where you're traveling.
Many participating airports provide official Sunflower lanyards, bracelets, or pins free of charge at information desks, welcome centers, or accessibility offices. For example, airports in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Akron-Canton, and many others participate in the program. Some airports even allow travelers to request one before their trip.
If your local airport doesn't participate, official Sunflower products can also be purchased directly from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower organization. They offer lanyards, ID cards, wristbands, pins, and other items that can help communicate individual support needs. The organization ships internationally.
More Than Airports
While many people first encounter the Sunflower program while flying, it has grown far beyond airports.
Today, participating organizations include airlines, train stations, retailers, healthcare providers, museums, entertainment venues, government agencies, employers, and tourist attractions. Staff at participating organizations receive training so they understand what the Sunflower represents and how to offer respectful support when needed.
How Organizations Can Help
Another thing I learned is that this isn't simply a product—it's a global awareness program.
Businesses and organizations can become official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower members. Membership includes staff education, training resources, and the ability to participate in the worldwide network so employees recognize the Sunflower and understand how to respond appropriately. Sponsorships and partnerships also help expand awareness and encourage more organizations to become accessible and inclusive.
A Little More Kindness Goes a Long Way
Travel brings together people from every walk of life, and we never truly know what someone else may be carrying.
The person who needs a little more time at security.
The family navigating sensory overload.
The traveler who seems overwhelmed by a crowded terminal.
Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer another traveler isn't advice or directions.
It's patience.
Because not every disability is visible—but every traveler deserves to feel welcome.
Want to learn more?
If you're interested in obtaining an official Sunflower lanyard, finding participating airports and organizations, or learning how your workplace can become involved, visit the official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website.