Ryanair now support the Sunflower
Ryanair has become the first Irish airline to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, recognising Sunflower Lanyards – a globally recognised symbol of non-visible disability. This new initiative forms part of the airline’s continued customer experience focus, enabling Ryanair’s pilots, cabin crew and support teams to further support customers, making travel easier and more accessible for everyone.
With over 1.5 million Ryanair customers requiring special assistance each year, the airline has, with support from Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, developed and delivered a comprehensive annual training programme to identify the Sunflower, and help its teams to gain a deeper understanding of non-visible disabilities. Ryanair’s crew based across 90 locations are ready to support Sunflower wearers with an offer of help, understanding or simply more time.
Ryanair’s Tracy Kennedy said:
“As Europe’s no.1 airline, Ryanair carries over 165m passengers p.a. with more than 1.5 million requiring special assistance and are looked after by our dedicated Special Assistance Team. As such, we are delighted to be Ireland’s first airline to recognise Sunflower Lanyards, enabling our 17,000 people across our 90 crew bases to better support our customers with non-visible disabilities.
Following the roll out of comprehensive “Hidden Disabilities” training this summer, we are extremely proud that our pilots, crew and support teams are now fully prepared to provide additional support, assistance, or time necessary to our customers with hidden disabilities.”
Tristan Casson-Rennie, Regional Director, Ireland & Northern Ireland for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower said:
“We are delighted that Ryanair, the largest European airline by scheduled passengers, has joined the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. Passengers with non-visible disabilities can fly to 36 countries knowing that they will be supported by Ryanair crew in 228 airports.
Travel is becoming more accessible for people who are disabled, extending the opportunities for exploration, work and play. Sunflower wearers will be met with kindness, patience and understanding by the Ryanair team from check-in to the end of their flight.”
Centre Parks – Longford Forest
Nestled in 400 acres of beautiful historic forest just five kilometres from Ballymahon, Longford Forest is delighted to welcome wearers of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to their first village in Ireland. All staff across the holiday village have received Sunflower awareness training, and will provide support, assistance and a little extra time where needed. The holiday village has plenty of activities, restaurants and accommodation options tucked away amongst the trees, offering everything you need for a perfect short break. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards and Wristbands are available free of charge to visitors who need them.
Popping up in Ennis
The team at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Ireland were able to make use of a shop window in O'Connell Street, Ennis, County Clare during the week commencing 29th August. This helped to raise awareness of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower amongst locals and visitors to the town during the last busy week of school summer holidays. We will continue to explore ways of raising awareness across Ireland, so if you have an empty shop window and would like to help us, please get in touch! [email protected]