Aruba Airport Authority N.V. announces that Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA Airport) is officially a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. This is part of the airport’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for its employees, passengers and other users.
Currently, one in six of the world’s population lives with some form of disability, which equates to approximately 1.3 billion people. While some disabilities are visible, others are non-visible, or a combination of both. These conditions may be temporary, occupational, situational, or permanent and include neurological, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental conditions, among others. The global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network enables staff to recognize individuals wearing the official Sunflower lanyard and ask how they can support them to meet their access needs, making the invisible visible.
On Friday October 25th, 2024, the official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program was launched with a small ceremony at AUA Airport in the presence of Carolina Thiel-Span, President of the Aruba Autism Foundation (FAA) and advocate for the Sunflower, Sary Wernet-Kelly, Revalidation Therapist at the Foundation for the Visually Impaired (FAVI), AAA’s Leadership Team, Health and Sustainability Team, the airport community and Maureen de Mooy-Schreuder from Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
Approximately 200 employees, including airport security staff, concessionaires, customer service agents, and others involved in airport operations, received Sunflower training to familiarise themselves with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Staff members were informed on how to help respectfully and efficiently, ensuring that every visitor felt supported and valued.
Angeline Flemming, Aruba Airport, Director Health and Sustainability, said:
“We recognize and will continue to advocate the importance of inclusivity and diversity at our airport. We are super proud to announce our membership of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and strive to create a safe and welcoming workplace for all our employees, passengers and airport community. By adopting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, we are demonstrating our support towards individuals with invisible disabilities.”
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Aruba Airport to the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. The Sunflower is an effective communication tool for passengers to signal to the staff at the airport that they might need an offer of support, understanding and kindness. It makes a positive difference to the travel experience for people who have invisible disabilities.”
Learn more about Aruba Airport visit their website: Aruba Airport