David

I just got back from my first business trip in five years and got to use the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program at #YVR in Vancouver.

This program makes it easier for people with all kinds of invisible illnesses to travel, and I think more people need to know about it.

280+ airports have joined the program: https://davidarcher.net/blog/til-280-airports-have-joined-the-hidden-disabilities-sunflower-program

TIL 280+ airports have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program — David Archer, composer, etc.

Have you heard of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program? More travellers should know about this.  I was making my way home from Vancouver to Haida Gwaii last week and picked up a sunflower lanyard from the YVR info desk. I’d just spent a week with a film crew in Tofino, BC, recording i

David Archer, composer, etc.
Dec 4, 2024 at 9:34pmWeb
Show threadDr. FlowersDec 4, 2024
@darcher I love this! I wish we had this in the US. @slcw
Show threadSLCW💥Dec 4, 2024
@AlliFlowers @darcher In the US, ridiculing, harassing, belittling, and actively looking for ways to hurt the disabled is en vogue.
Show threadDr. FlowersDec 4, 2024
@slcw And nobody believes in invisible disabilities. 😢 @darcher
Show threadDavidDec 5, 2024

@AlliFlowers @slcw It's rough out there, for sure.

Their website lets you search and see if the Sunflower program is near you. There are quite a few US airports listed as participating. But I couldn't tell you what the experience on the ground is like. 🤷‍♂️ https://hdsunflower.com/us/find-the-sunflower/

Where is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower recognized? This map will show up to 500 locations. Use search and the radius to discover more locations.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a discreet sign that the wearer has a hidden disability and may need additional support

Show threadDr. FlowersDec 5, 2024
@darcher Nothing within 500 miles. Chances are if I get that far I'm good. @slcw
Show threadMekkiDec 5, 2024
@darcher You give me hope that I might soon be able to travel for the first time in >5 years.
Show threadDavidDec 5, 2024
@mekki Yeah, don't give up! ♥️
Show threadBobseeDec 5, 2024
@darcher Nice mask.
Show threadPeter M.J. GrossDec 5, 2024
@darcher Thank you for this. I shared it with a friend who might find it useful.
Show threadEdonkulousDec 5, 2024
@darcher Thank you for sharing this!
Show threadAuntie MameDec 5, 2024
@darcher YES PLEASE!!! I had brain surgery a few months ago and have autism, so my brain is in a really weird state. I’m learning to travel again, and I’m off to Paris from Chicago next month. I’m absolutely going to pick up at lanyard at O’Hare! ✈️
Show threadDavidDec 5, 2024
@ymasumac Oh I’m glad you’ll use this! That makes me happy. 😃 I hope your recovery is going well and that you’ll be able to travel with confidence. Bon voyage! 🛫
Show threadAuntie MameDec 5, 2024
@darcher My first test trip was a few weeks ago, by train, in a big circle Chicago-Boston-DC-Chicago. A private room and no airports crowds, lights, or noise. I did pretty well. But it’s all the production of an airport - plus a metal plate in my head - that’ll make that experience I hope a tiny bit easier. I’ll be asking for the golf cart to the gate, for sure. 🌻
Show threadDavidDec 5, 2024
@ymasumac That’s good, and yeah use those services - next time I’m going to use the golf cart too. Didn’t realize my gate was at the end of the earth until it was too late. But it also helped that this airport was familiar.
Show threadAuntie MameDec 5, 2024
@darcher TIP: if you ever arrive at ORD terminal 5, know that the walk from the plane to Immigration will take 3-5 business days.
Show threadDavidDec 5, 2024
@ymasumac 😂 I’ll bring snacks.