Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City International Airport (MCI) now has a new resource for travelers that will help make their trips easier and more enjoyable. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower campaign has officially started at MCI. MCI has officially rolled out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, a global initiative focused on helping individuals with non-visible disabilities feel seen and understood as they navigate the airport.
The Sunflower program, which is known at hundreds of airports around the world, provides travelers a discreet way to say that they might need a little more support or time. Passengers can let airport workers and partners know that they may need extra help by wearing a sunflower-patterned lanyard, bracelet, pin, or ID card, even if their impairment isn’t immediately apparent.
Passengers who want to take part can get a free Sunflower lanyard at MCI’s information desk, which is easy to find on the arrivals floor between baggage claims 5 and 6. One can also get these things at airport security checkpoints. You don’t have to explain or show proof of a disability; just ask, and the staff will give you the item and explain what it is for.
“Kansas City International Airport is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all travelers,” said Melissa Cooper, Director of Aviation in a release. “The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is another step toward ensuring that every passenger receives the understanding and support they need.”
Staff and partners at the airport have been educated to recognize the Sunflower symbol and respond in the right way, whether that means giving instructions, giving them more time at security, or just being a nice, understanding presence. The airport hopes that these tiny things may help travelers who are anxious, stressed, or just need a little extra care as they move through the terminal.
MCI’s decision to use the Sunflower program puts it in the same group as more than 230 airports around the world that have recognized the special problems that people with hidden disabilities face. This move makes Kansas City even more renowned as a friendly and easy-to-reach place to visit.
Airport officials encourage travelers who think they could benefit from the Sunflower program to use the services that are now accessible. You may get more information about the Sunflower program and accessible services on the airport’s official website.
As air travel returns to normal levels, programs like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program show how airports are changing to suit the needs of all passengers, making the trip a little simpler for everyone, one sunflower at a time.
