The Sunflower – Visible Symbol for Invisible Needs

The Sunflower Program was designed to support people with invisible disabilities and health conditions. By wearing a Sunflower on a green lanyard, the wearer can signal they may need extra time or assistance. The program began in 2016 at London Gatwick Airport and quickly gained popularity. Today, it is used around the world at airports and train stations as well as in shops and public institutions.

Anyone who wishes to draw attention to a non-visible health condition or disability can wear a lanyard. This includes, for example, people with autism, ADHD, chronic pain or fatigue, sensory hypersensitivity, mental illness, or cognitive disabilities. People with temporary health conditions or disabilities – such as those recovering from a surgery – are also welcome to use the service.  

Lanyards can be picked up at the Service Points in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 as well as from the FraCareServices Mobility Service and wearers do not need to provide proof of their health condition or disability.

It is recommended that travel companions also wear a lanyard if it will make traveling easier or will draw attention to the need for special assistance. This allows airport employees to immediately recognize when a group includes a person that has an invisible disability or health condition and needs special support.

The lanyard is meant to make traveling easier by showing airport employees that the wearer has a non-visible disability or health condition. It gives other passengers or employees at the airport the chance to offer extra assistance, for example by explaining a procedure calmly, allowingextra time, or providing help.

The lanyard does not provide any legal or financial benefits; it is simply a reminder of the need for mindfulness, consideration, and understanding.

A friendly offer to help is always welcome. Often, a simple “Can I help you?” is enough. If you encounter a person with a Sunflower Lanyard, it’s important to approach them with respect and empathy. This means actingdiscreetly, without asking about reasons or diagnoses:

• Offer your assistance calmly, quietly, and without attracting the attention of others
• Respect their personal space and maintain an appropriate distance
• Since some people with non-visible disabilities or health conditions can quickly become overwhelmed, it’s important to act calmly and, for example, to steer them towards less-busy waiting areas or paths

Wearing a Sunflower Lanyard is completely optional. Everyone can decide for themselves whether and when they want to wear it. Some may choose to wear it only in certain situations like check-in or going through security, and others may wish to wear it for their entire trip.

The Sunflower Lanyard is meant to be used by people with invisible disabilities to discreetly signal that they may needextra help or understanding in specific situations.

The FraCareServices Mobility Service is a service for disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility. These passengers can pre-register for this service ahead of their trip through their airline and they will be provided with the assistance they need at the airport.

The Sunflower Lanyard is recognized internationally and is worn in many locations, such as train stations, supermarkets, or recreational facilities. There are also numerous airlines and other airports that participate in the program.  You can find an overview here.

Our employees at central passenger contact points have been informed about the Sunflower Program and trained to offer their assistance. Employees that are familiar with the program will be wearing either a Sunflower Pin or a white Supporter Lanyard.