Tweed New Haven airport uses ‘hidden sunflowers’ to help those with unseen disabilities

Tweed New Haven airport uses ‘hidden sunflowers’ to help those with unseen disabilities

27 Feb, 2025

NEW HAVEN —  Not everyone who makes their way through Tweed New Haven Regional Airport and needs some assistance along the way looks like they need help.

But under a new “Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program” beginning March 1 at Tweed, people will be able to discretely let authorities, airport and airline employees know with a sunflower item, so they can get whatever help they need.

“Whether someone requires more time to navigate the airport or requires discreet assistance, this program will ensure their needs are met with care and consideration,” said Michael Jones, CEO of The New HVN, the subsidiary of Avports LLC that operates Tweed.

“Hidden disabilities” include physical, mental or neurological conditions that might not be immediately apparent to others but can significantly affect a passenger’s daily life, Tweed officials said in a release.

Examples include asthma, autism, epilepsy, dementia, diabetes, Tourette syndrome, lupus, migraines, dyslexia, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s and ADHD.

Free sunflower stickers, pins, lanyards and ID cards will be available at the ticket counter for those passengers who need them. The program is voluntary, officials said.

“At HVN, we pride ourselves on providing an exceptional passenger experience, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program enhances our commitment to inclusivity,” Jones said in the release. “It ensures that every passenger, regardless of their individual needs, feels welcomed and supported throughout their journey.”

The program is advanced by HD Sunflower USA Corp., which works with airports, other travel hubs and shops to make sure that people with hidden disabilities get the help they need, Tweed officials said.

“The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program aligns with our mission of ensuring Tweed remains a welcoming and accessible airport for everyone,” said Robert Reed, chairman of the Tweed New Haven Airport Authority, which oversees the airport.

All Tweed employees have completed training on the Sunflower Program, the release states. The training, designed to raise awareness and understanding of the needs of passengers with hidden disabilities, is an essential part of maintaining the airport’s standards of service.

“Through training our team to recognize and assist passengers with hidden disabilities, we are continuing to foster an environment of empathy, understanding, and top-tier service for all travelers,” Reed said.

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