The airport is helping create a more supportive and inclusive experience for passengers with non-apparent disabilities
We are delighted to welcome Halifax Stanfield International Airport to the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.
Halifax International Airport Authority introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program at Halifax Stanfield on August 20, 2024, helping passengers and airport visitors with non-apparent disabilities discreetly indicate that they may need additional support, understanding or a little more time.
Supporting passengers with non-apparent disabilities
Not every disability, condition or chronic illness is visible. For some people, navigating an airport can involve challenges that other passengers and airport employees may not immediately recognize.
By choosing to wear a Sunflower lanyard or pin, someone can discreetly indicate that they may benefit from additional assistance, clearer communication, more time or greater understanding.
The Sunflower does not identify a particular disability or tell employees what support someone requires. Sunflower wearers should never be asked to explain or prove why they are wearing it.
Everyone’s experience is different, so airport employees are encouraged to listen to the passenger and respond to the support they request, wherever it can reasonably be provided.
“The Sunflower Program shows us the airport is committed to accessibility, inclusivity and ensuring everyone feels seen and supported.”
Jill Cormier, Inclusion and Family Support Supervisor at Autism Nova Scotia and AIDE Canada Atlantic Hub Coordinator
What does wearing the Sunflower mean?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognized symbol for non-apparent disabilities.
Someone wearing the Sunflower may benefit from:
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More time to process information or move through the airport
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Clearer or more direct communication
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Additional assistance or reassurance
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Help finding the correct check-in area, gate or airport facility
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Patience and understanding during busy or unfamiliar situations
Wearing the Sunflower does not automatically guarantee priority access, fast-track services or a particular accommodation. Passengers may still choose to explain what support would help them during their journey.
Travelling with the Sunflower at Halifax Stanfield
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is available throughout Halifax Stanfield.
Passengers can wear an official Sunflower lanyard or pin while moving through the airport, helping employees recognize that they may require additional support.
People who already have an official Sunflower product from another participating airport, airline or organization can also wear it at Halifax Stanfield.
How to request a free Sunflower lanyard or pin
People travelling through Halifax Stanfield who live in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island can request a complimentary Sunflower lanyard or pin through the Halifax Stanfield website.
The selected item will be mailed free of charge so it can be worn throughout the airport journey.
A wider commitment to accessible travel
The Sunflower was introduced as part of Halifax Stanfield’s continuing work to make the airport more accessible.
Other services include the Aira app for blind and low-vision passengers , hearing loops for people with compatible hearing aids or cochlear implants, pre-arranged curbside assistance, Autism Aviators, therapy dogs, braille signage, barrier-free washrooms and familiarization tours.
In 2020, Halifax Stanfield became the first facility in Nova Scotia to achieve a Gold Accessibility Rating from the Rick Hansen Foundation.
We are proud to welcome Halifax Stanfield to the growing Sunflower community and to support its commitment to making air travel more inclusive for people with non-apparent disabilities.
Find out more about accessibiity at Halifax Airport.