See A Sunflower Lanyard At Newark Airport? Here’s What It Means

NEWARK, NJ — It isn’t always possible to recognize when a fellow traveler at the airport has a disability or medical condition. But with the help of a cheerful icon – a sunflower – passengers at Newark Airport in New Jersey can show that they need some extra support on their trip.

Here’s what it means if you come across a lanyard with a sunflower logo on it, according to Newark Airport authorities:

“[Newark Airport] offers the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard to passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism, PTSD or hearing loss. First pioneered at Gatwick International Airport in London, the Sunflower lanyard communicates those passengers wearing the lanyard may need extra help while traveling. It is recognized in a growing number of international airports.”

Program participation is voluntary, Newark Airport authorities note.

“Some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others,” hdsunflower.com explains. “For some people, this can make it hard to understand and believe that someone, with a ‘non-visible’ condition genuinely needs support. Some people question whether you have a disability because you don’t look ‘like you have a disability.’ That is why we created the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding.”

Want to get a sunflower lanyard at Newark Airport? Passengers can request one at the following pre-security locations:

• Terminal A Welcome Center at Level 1: between hours of 6 AM - 10 PM
• Terminal A Sensory Room at Level 3: between hours of 6 AM - 10 PM
• Terminal B Welcome Center at Level 1: between hours of 8 AM - 10 PM
• Terminal C Welcome Center at Level 1: between hours of 8 AM - 10 PM

Passengers should continue to coordinate with their airlines and/or TSA Cares for pre-travel questions and accommodation arrangements, airport authorities say. For additional information, call (973) 961-6000 and select option 5.

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