Posted On: September 12, 2023
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is striving to make air travel a little easier for people with hidden disabilities. Travelers with brain injuries, hearing loss, memory loss, asthma, diabetes, or any number of other hidden disabilities that may not be outwardly noticeable to airport staff, can now receive extra assistance through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
The airport recently joined the Sunflower program that has grown to include more than 220 airports worldwide, including nearly 100 in the United States, 12 airlines and a host of other businesses. This voluntary program for airport passengers identifies hidden disabilities by the green sunflower product they choose to wear. While this program does not allow for special treatment or expedited service, it is an indication to airport staff that the passenger may require additional assistance.
“An exceptional customer experience is at the heart of everything we do at Daytona Beach International Airport and implementing the Sunflower program adds even a higher level of service,” said Joanne Magley, director of Air Service, Marketing & Customer Experience at DAB.
“More than 15 employees and volunteers at the airport-- including those working for the airlines, rental cars, janitorial, and food service—have gone through training about the Sunflower program, how to recognize someone wearing a Sunflower product and offer them any additional support they may need. Additional training is ongoing, with the goal that anyone working directly with the traveling public can help,” said Magley.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has one simple purpose: You choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard, badge, or pin when it suits you to let people discreetly know that you, or someone with you, has a non-visible disability and may need extra help, understanding, or just more time.
DAB offers complimentary Hidden Disabilities Sunflower items (a lanyard and ID card or pin) at information desks and at Airport Control, located on the first floor near the elevators.
For more information, visit https://hdsunflower.com.