SHANNON Airport has become the first airport in Ireland to help raise awareness of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme.
The Hidden Disabilities initiative aims to support more than half a million people across Ireland who have a disability that’s not visible.
Passengers travelling through Shannon Airport can avail of a free sunflower lanyard to indicate that they have a non-visible disability and would appreciate an offer of support.
A Shannon representative said the airport’s team have been fully trained as part of the programme to recognise the sunflower and to offer specialised time, understanding, and assistance to those wearing it.
Shannon Airport has also become the first in Ireland to introduce ‘taiptags’ , which contain a QR code travellers can scan on their phone to learn about Sunflower programme and other disability supports available at Shannon.
Pamela Brooks, head of operations at Shannon Airport, said that the airport’s focus on those with disabilities is underscored by a belief that travel is for everyone.
“Like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower team, we firmly believe that travel is for everyone, so we are very proud to officially become members of this incredible international network, dedicated to making the process of navigating public spaces such as airports, more accessible for people with hidden disabilities. The sunflower lanyards are available free of charge at our Airport Services Desk,” Ms Brooks said.
Ruth Rabét, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower’s global business director, said that “disabled people make up one in seven of the Irish population and 80 per cent have an invisible disability. This means over half a million people in Ireland have a non-visible disability.”
“We are excited to announce that Shannon Airport has become the newest airport to join the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. Adopting the Sunflower and implementing our training for its staff improves accessibility for passengers with invisible disabilities.”
