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Special Assistance for Passengers with Hidden Disability

Hyderabad Airport is a Sunflower Friendly Airport

We have taken a step towards inclusivity by collaborating with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, as we value the needs of each passenger. This initiative encourages inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding, as some disabilities are not immediately visible to others. It is a simple tool to share that they have a hidden disability voluntarily.

By simply wearing the Sunflower lanyard / pin badge or any other sunflower merchandise, you’re discreetly letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, or more time as you navigate the airport.

Request Your Sunflower

Have any questions in mind?

No problem, we have a few answers readily available.

Some experience a disability that is visible, while many have a non-visible disability that is not immediately apparent to others. These can be temporary, situational or permanent.

There are around 900 hidden disabilities recognized by the Hidden Disability sunflower, that also include respiratory, rare diseases and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes.

As diverse as these conditions are, so are the individual access needs and the barriers faced in daily life.

The people with such disabilities may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.

Globally 1 in 7 of us live with a disability. That is approximately 1.3 billion people.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is an initiative to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding as some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others.

It is a simple tool for one to share that they have a hidden disability voluntarily. Simply by wearing the Sunflower, they are just letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, or just more time.

One can opt to wear the Sunflower to discreetly be seen in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower supports people living with non-visible disabilities in their communities by raising awareness, training businesses and sharing stories to help create a more inclusive, understanding society.

The sunflower came to being as the discreet sign as it is clearly visible from a distance as well as it is distinct, joyful, and dynamic. The sunflower was chosen as it suggests happiness, positivity, strength as well as growth and confidence and is universally known.

Hyderabad Airport is taking a step towards inclusivity by collaborating with the hidden disability sunflower initiative and joining hands to become a sunflower friendly airport along with the other 215 global airports. We take forward our brand purpose of being a caring brand by making travel easy for all our passengers.

Some other countries with their airports associated with the sunflower are Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE and the USA.

This program, a new initiative designed to enhance the travel experience for passengers with hidden disabilities underscores GHIAL's commitment to creating an inclusive environment and providing seamless, socially responsible passenger services. The Sunflower Program allows passengers with hidden disabilities to discreetly communicate their needs and request assistance through the use of a sunflower lanyard, pin, or wristband. These symbols are recognized worldwide and indicate that the wearer may require additional assistance, patience, or time.

Covering all areas of passenger interaction—including information desks, check-in counters, security checkpoints, boarding gates, and terminals—the program aims to create a more understanding and supportive travel environment. Hyderabad Airport will raise awareness of the program through various communication channels. Comprehensive training to all passenger-facing staff has been provided to ensure the necessary support.

The Sunflower Program offers numerous benefits, including increased confidence and independence for passengers, enhanced communication between passengers and staff, and an overall improved travel experience.

The hidden disability sunflower wearer has chosen to wear the sunflower as they want to be seen or asked if they need help.

How can we contribute?

  • Ask if we can help
  • Be kind
  • Listen Closely
  • Show Respect
  • Do not question them about their hidden disabilities
  • Do not judge them
  • Do not ignore them
  • Be understanding
  • Be Patient
  • Give them time

Always be kind and show respect. See if you can spare some time and communicate with the sunflower wearer to understand the support needed and assist them with the same.

The Hidden Disability sunflower was launched by Gatwick Airport in 2016.