In August, Dementia Friendly Missoula, attended the Montana Library Association (MLA), Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA), Mountain Plains Library (PNLA) Tri-Conference to help raise awareness of the Sunflower. We spent time at the conference discussing the meaning of the Sunflower and distributing our Sunflower sample products. This conference covers 16 states and 2 Canadian provinces. As a result of our presence at this key event, we hope to see libraries join the programme soon!
In September, Helen Chadderdon, from Albany Airport, was interviewed on the Sanatabarbara Assembly Update. This assembly is run by the Office of Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, representing Albany, Montgomery & Schenectady Counties. In the interview Helen discusses their reasons for implementing the Sunflower programme and highlights how successful the initiative has been at Albany airport.
The Sunflower has been recognised in Condé Nast Traveler's first-ever Bright Ideas in Travel list
In their inaugural Bright Ideas in Travel 2022, Conde Nast Traveller celebrate their 35th Anniversary with an issue dedicated to innovation and invention in the world of travel. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is included for its outstanding role in making travel more accessible and inclusive for travellers with non-visible disabilities. We are one of 56 key players highlighted as pioneering the Future of Travel alongside Hilton, Airbnb, Booking.com, Revolve Air, Istanbul Airport, SpaceX and Neom.
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower said: “To be included in such a prestigious list reflects the transformational impact the Sunflower is having on the lives of people with non-visible disabilities across the globe.
“The Sunflower has not only been used to help to tackle some of the travel challenges triggered by the pandemic, but it has also been helping businesses in the travel industry address a number of the pain points facing passengers.”
According to Conde Nast Traveler, “There has never been a more important moment to recognise those shaping the future of travel. It's not just due to the pandemic, which transformed the industry, but also because of the racial reckoning of the last few years, which has reinforced the need for greater access and representation in travel; the rapid advance of technology; and the climate crisis.
“For the very first time, we're honouring people and businesses who are tackling these issues with fresh, creative thinking to bring us into the future across the realms of tech, design, sustainability, community, inclusion, accessibility, and conservation.”
Continuing with the travel sector, the number of airports in North America that support the Sunflower continues to grow, with the following new airports joining the fold:
Canada:
- Hamilton International Airport
- Comox Valley Airport
- Edmonton Airport Authority
- Winnipeg Airport Authority
United States:
- Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- Propeller Airports
- Savannah/Hilton Head Airport Group
- Duane County Regional Airport - Madison
- Greater Rockford Airport Authority
- Albert J. Ellis Airport
- Rouge Valley International Medford Airport
- Portland International Jetport
- Omaha Airport Authority
- Green Bay Austin Straubel Airport.
Emmy Award winner Leeza Gibbons, an instrumental advocate for healthcare, wellness, and caregiving has announced her support for the Sunflower on Instagram. We are so proud to have such an amazing woman demonstrating their support for us! You can find Leeza on Instagram and Facebook @LeezaGibbons.