Shannon Airport joins Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative

Shannon Airport has proudly joined the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative.

Passengers travelling through the airport can now avail of a free Sunflower lanyard at the airport services desk to indicate that they have a non-visible disability and would appreciate an offer of support.

The airport team and the wider airport community underwent specialist training to recognise the Sunflower and provide time, understanding and assistance to those wearing it.

In Ireland one in seven people are disabled, with 80% having an invisible disability. This means over half a million people in the country have a non-visible disability and so, initiatives like this are needed more than ever. 

Commenting on the initiative, Pamela Brooks, Head of Operations at The Shannon Airport Group, said: “Like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower team, we firmly believe that travel is for everyone, so we are very proud to officially become members of this incredible international network, dedicated to making the process of navigating public spaces such as airports, more accessible for people with hidden disabilities,"

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“Over the past few months, our team has participated in training and worked hard to ensure that we can implement the Sunflower across our operations as effectively as possible. Shannon is on track to reach the two million passengers mark this year for the first time since 2009, and as we continue to welcome more and more people from all over Ireland and indeed the globe, initiatives such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower will be vital in assisting us with making the travel experience as easy and enjoyable for every customer that comes through our doors,” added Ms Brooks. 

Shannon Airport has also become the first organisation in Ireland to introduce tapitags to raise awareness of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme.

The airport has introduced 15 tapitag points at locations throughout the terminal building where people can scan a QR code on their phone to learn more about the programme and other supports available at the airport.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is the latest in a series of initiatives to make the travel experience through the airport as seamless and inclusive as possible.

Ruth Rabét, Global Business Director of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: "Adopting the Sunflower and implementing our training for its staff improves accessibility for passengers with invisible disabilities. As Sunflower wearers travel through Shannon Airport, airport staff will recognise them with an offer of support, understanding, and empathy to provide an inclusive and stress-free journey”.

Shannon Airport continues to be ahead of the curve as it was the first airport in Europe to open a sensory room in 2017 for passengers with additional and neurodivergent needs. It has since been utilised by thousands of passengers.