Travelers With Autism, Other Hidden Disabilities Benefit From New Program At 2 DC Airports

DULLES, VA — Travelers with disabilities will be able to access a new level of support at Washington, D.C.'s two major airports thanks to a new program introduced Thursday by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Founded at London Gatwick Airport in 2016, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program allows travelers with invisible disabilities, such as autism or Asperger's syndrome, to request a special lanyard that discreetly notifies airport employees that they may need a helping hand, patience or additional time.

Anyone with a hidden disability ask to be included in the Sunflower program at the pre-security, baggage claim, or USO lounge information desks, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Ronald R. Reagan Washington National Airport, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Washington Dulles International Airport.

"They'll be provided with a lanyard and from there, if individuals come through our airports with the lanyard, our employees have been trained to ask simply, 'How can I help you?'" said MWAA spokesman James Johnson. "We want our employees to communicate effectively, allowing those with the hidden disabilities extra time and patience to assist them with directions and just extra help to go the extra mile that they may need."

The training not only includes MWAA employees, but those working for the airlines and airport concessionnaires as well.

"Literally everyone has been trained on the program," Johnson said. "When I talk about training, it's more simple awareness that we're relaying to all of our employees about this program."

More than 26 other airports in the U.S. have already adopted Sunflower programs and MWAA started the process of introducing the program prior to the pandemic.

"We've had customers reach out to the Airports Authority, to our customer service department, that have said, 'Hey, my son or daughter has Asperger's syndrome or has Crohn's or autism, do you have some type of system in place that will actually help," Johnson said. "Some people have specifically mentioned the sunflower program."

While the Sunflower program is focused solely on assisting travelers with hidden disabilities, MWAA already has a customer service program in place to assist those with physical disabilities.