Special Assistance for Passengers with Hidden Disability

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.

Delhi 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 sunflower are Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE and the USA.

Now the passengers traveling via Delhi Airport can voluntarily ask for a Sunflower merchandise at the terminal and wear it to be recognized as a person with disability. The sunflower merchandise will be available for collection at the Helpdesks and Information counters located within the terminals. By wearing this lanyard/pin/wristband, individuals with hidden disabilities can easily identify themselves to the airport staff, who will empathetically approach them and provide the necessary help.

Delhi Airport is conducting trainings for its entire passenger facing staff members to be aware of the hidden disabilities and how to approach a sunflower wearer. This will ensure that the passengers are dealt with care throughout their journey.

By providing these specialized services, the airport aims to empower passengers with hidden disabilities to travel with confidence, knowing that they have the necessary support at every step of their journey.

This is one of our PRM and special needs initiatives to help airport make travelling easy for all its passengers.

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.