Westchester Now Using 'Sunflowers' To Make Flying More Accessible

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Westchester County Airport has launched a unique program to discreetly help alert airport workers, security and fellow air travelers that a passenger has a need for special consideration that might not be readily apparent.

Westchester County Airport has introduced a new "Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program" to support passengers with hidden disabilities and accessibility needs. When travelers voluntarily choose to wear a sunflower lanyard, it is a way for them to discreetly inform others that they have a disability.

"Just because you cannot see a person’s disability, does not mean that it doesn’t exist," Westchester County Executive George Latimer said. "It is important that we care for all of our passengers at Westchester County Airport, and in particular in this enhanced way for those with accessibility needs. The Sunflower Program will help people with hidden disabilities inform others — through the use of their lanyard — that they may need additional support services, which we are happy to provide.”

Passengers who voluntarily wear a sunflower lanyard do not need to disclose their disability. Air travelers are able to use their sunflower lanyards at other airports and businesses that support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

"With over 750,000 departing passengers projected for this year, I’m certain we host many travelers with hidden disabilities," Airport Manager April L. Gasparri said. "Inclusivity is part of our County’s fiber; it’s only natural to make it organic in an airport travel journey."

Wearing a sunflower lanyard will not expedite an air traveler through TSA security screening.

Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program here and find participating airports, airlines and facilities.

"Today, we at the TSA are pleased to assist the leadership of the Westchester County Airport in starting this very important and highly successful program at HPN," Federal Security Director Robert Duffy said. "We at the TSA constantly strive to provide thorough and effective security screening at all airports in a professional and respectful manner. The use of Sunflower Lanyards will help us to better serve the needs of the traveling public by bringing to our attention those passengers who may require additional time and assistance as they pass through our security screening checkpoints."

Globally, 1 in 7 of us live with a disability, according to the organizers behind the program. While some have a disability that is visible, many have a non-visible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. These challenges can be physical, visual, auditory or neurological and range from autism and ADHD to cognitive impairments such as learning difficulties and dementia, as well as mental health conditions. They can also be respiratory and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic pain and sleep disorders.

As diverse as these conditions are, so are each person's access needs and the barriers they face in their daily lives, the groups said. Individuals with conditions that are not immediately obvious to others can opt to wear the sunflower lanyard to discreetly identify their individual access needs in shops, at work, on public transit or in public spaces.

“Here is another example of Westchester County working with the disabled community in providing valuable resources to a customer base that utilizes everyday services here in Westchester," Director of the Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities Evan Latainer said. "The Sunflower Program provides passengers who happen to need assistance a subtle way for airport staff to recognize that the wearer might need some assistance to navigate through the airport."