Travel with dementia and other hidden disabilities: Sunflower Lanyard

Posted by 4goakley Kathy @4goakley, May 8 8:32am

"The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard is a globally recognized symbol allowing individuals to discreetly indicate they have a hidden disability—such as autism, chronic pain, or dementia - and may need additional support, assistance, or time. It is widely used in transport, retail, and workplaces, and can be obtained for free at many airports."

I picked one up at a Canadian airport for my husband with Alzheimer’s. It was an amazing help . We were escorted through security lines with assistance at two major airports.
Check it out !

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

Scott R L | @scottrl | May 8 9:19am

Thank you for this. What a great idea!

I wasn't familiar with this, so I did a quick search and found this, on the DFW Airport website:
https://www.dfwairport.com/explore/plan/assist/accessibility/visible-and-non-visible-disabilities/sunflowerprogram/

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 8 9:42am

@4goakley Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is a great program.
Here is a direct link:
https://hdsunflower.com/us/

judimahoney | @judimahoney | May 9 8:35am

Hello, I agree that the lanyard was so helpful last time we traveled at the airport. Skipped the security line and were escorted through security by 2 TSA agents. You do have to phone TSA at least a day ahead of time and give them your flight info, etc.
One flight it didn't go as planned because the TSA hadn't arrived yet when we checked in for our early flight, so we were on our own.

4goakley Kathy | @4goakley | May 9 9:26am

Re: travelling
No guarantee that there will be staff available, but wearing the Sunflower lanyard increases the chance of assistance at airports , train stations, etc.
Note:
They are meant to be FREE from participating agencies but I see them on Amazon for resale at inflated prices.