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Airports and Transportation

Austin airport launches new service for people with non-visible disabilities.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is already in effect at 90+ airports in North America.

April 11, 2023 • 
London Gibson
A crowd of people wait in line at Checkpoint 1 at the Austin airport.

People with non-visible disabilities may need additional time or assistance during the traveling process.

Photo by Dan Herron, courtesy Austin Bergstrom International Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport just announced a new service aimed at making travel easier for passengers with non-visible disabilities.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which officially launched in Austin on Saturday, April 1, offers a green lanyard with sunflowers to passengers with non-visible disabilities like autism, dementia, or an anxiety disorder.

Travelers experiencing these conditions may need additional time, support, or physical assistance during the flying process, and the lanyards act as a subtle visual cue for airport staff.

The initiative is part of an international program currently in place in 90+ airports in North America, and follows other recently implemented accessibility efforts at AUS. In December, the airport also opened a Mobility Lounge, a designated seating and pick-up area for people requiring mobility assistance.

Passengers can request a sunflower lanyard by emailing AUS.GuestServices@FlyAustin.com or calling 512-530-2414.

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