New service at Santa Barbara, SLO airports providing assistance for passengers with hidden disabilities
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – A free worldwide travel service program that provides assistance for travelers with hidden disabilities is now being offered at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), as well as San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP).
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program was created in 2016 as a way for airline passengers with non-visible disabilities to receive extra support and assistance.
Travelers with non-visible disabilities may request from participating airports a green colored Sunflower lanyard, which clearly and discreetly identifies them to airport and airline staff as someone who may require added attention and care.
"It helps us recognize passengers that really need the extra time," said Courtney Pene, SLO Airport Deputy Director, Planning & Outreach. "For individuals who request the lanyards, it will be green, so it will be a green lanyard that you can wear throughout the airport, and again, it is to alert staff, and anybody, TSA or airlines, that you need some extra time processing through."
Now available at more than 200 airports around the world, SBP has become the latest airport to offer the service that was first launched in Europe in 2017.
“With the launch of the Sunflower, we are aiming to create an inclusive and compassionate airport environment where all passengers, including those with hidden disabilities, feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey," said Courtney Johnson, San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport Director of Airports. “Our airport is committed to fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, ensuring that every passenger's needs are met with respect and dignity. The Sunflower aligns with our values of inclusivity and accessibility, and we are proud to be part of this global movement."
The Santa Barbara Airport joined the Sunflower program in May. According to airport administration, since it was launched three months ago, the service has been a success.
"We've had over 250 request those so far and that includes people from out of the country," said Angi Daus, Santa Barbara Airport Marketing Supervisor. "That also includes teachers that have requested on behalf of their students, so we're really with how well has really taken off in the community."
Daus added the entire airport community has bought into the Sunflower program, which enhances the experience for passengers that are utilizing the service.
"We've asked our partners at the airlines, the rental cars and the other concessionaires, like the restaurant and the gift store to also partake in the program and do the training voluntarily, and they've all just loved being part of it," said Daus. "Everyone has really taken in and run with it and we're really proud of it, and even TSA has actually partaken in the training, and we've gotten some really great feedback."
For travelers who are using connecting flights, they may keep the lanyards on and receive the same added attention should they fly into a participating airport.
"We have direct destinations that are participating that are participating in this as well, DFW and Phoenix and a couple of others as well, so it's an awesome to see our passengers can go to a direct destination right from Santa Barbara and even on to other airports throughout the whole world and get that seamless service," said Daus. "It's really helpful and it reduces a lot of anxiety and gives a lot of ease to those passengers that are traveling in that way."
According to a list provided on the Sunflower website, there are now 216 airports located in 30 different countries worldwide that are part of the Sunflower network, including two other California airports, San Jose International Airport and Ontario International Airport.
For more information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, click here.
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