Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) has partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower organization to bring its Sunflower Lanyard Program to AVP.
The organization, based in the United Kingdom, helps people with hidden disabilities discreetly inform others – through the use of a Sunflower printed lanyard (or another Sunflower-branded worn item) – that they have a disability that may not be readily apparent. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower indicates to anyone approaching – especially those in customer service roles – a person wearing one of these items may need more assistance and that patience is appreciated.
How it works is simple. Travelers ask for a lanyard at one of the locations listed below and determine for themselves when to wear them. Anyone who feels they have a hidden disability can request one. There are no prerequisites for asking for or wearing a lanyard. When some working at the Airport sees an individual wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower-branded item, they will know that this person may need extra assistance/patience.
Check out the frequently asked questions below for more details.
Do I qualify to wear the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
There is no qualifying list of hidden disabilities. If you have a hidden disability and feel that you would benefit from wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower product, please do.
Where at AVP can I pick up a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower item?
Pick up a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower at these locations:
- Information Desk in the Joseph M. McDade Terminal Building
- By contacting sunflower@flyAVP.com or calling (570) 602-2014 to pick up a lanyard.
If I have a lanyard or other Hidden Disabilities Sunflower item, what’s my next step?
Wear the item anytime you want others to know that you have a hidden disability. At AVP, we’ve provided information to our employees and tenant employees about the program, which includes Airport Ambassadors, airlines, restaurants/bar, rental cars, security and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel.
Does wearing the lanyard give me access to expedited security screening?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower does not entitle the wearer to anything other than identifying that you have a hidden disability and that you may need some special assistance, help, or a little more time. It is not a pass to be fast-tracked through the security checkpoint, nor for any other benefit.
Where can I expect others to recognize the lanyard?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is relatively new to the United States. It began in the United Kingdom and is recognized in several other countries. The program has been expanding in the U.S. and is recognized at a growing number of U.S. Airports, including two (2) of our hub destinations:
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
For a current listing of all location participating in the Program, go to hiddendisabilitiesstore/us.com.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Eve Hennigan, Executive Assistant, sunflower@flyAVP.com or (570) 602-2014.