CITYPARK/ST. LOUIS CITY SC
CITYPARK is the first stadium in the U.S. to partner with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower! By wearing the Sunflower, fans with a hidden disability will be able to alert guest services and security staff to help provide special accommodations. CITYPARK guest services and security staff receive training through the Sunflower on supporting fans with understanding and compassion. The Sunflower is currently in use in airports across the world and in English Premier League stadiums.
"We are thrilled St. Louis CITY SC joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Our values and goals are aligned with CITY in the belief sports stadiums should be accessible for everyone. Thanks to CITY's dedication to accessibility and training their staff to recognize the Sunflower, soccer fans with non-visible disabilities will now have access to help, patience and understanding so they too can enjoy attending matches,” said Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
According to the State of Missouri, approximately 14% of Missourians have a disability, and 15% in the City of St. Louis. Many of those disabilities are not immediately visible to others, including autism spectrum and sensory processing disorders, PTSD, hard of hearing, seizure disorders, asthma, traumatic brain injuries and many more.
St. Louis CITY SC believes an incredible match day experience at CITYPARK should be accessible to everyone, including fans with disabilities. To help St. Louis’ Major League Soccer team create one of the most inclusive experiences in major league sports, St. Louis CITY introduced accessibility programs and guest accommodations to provide fans with visible and non-visible disabilities the support they need to enjoy home matches.
Barbra Silva, St. Louis CITY SC Director, Community Relations, said: “Soccer is the world’s most popular sport. Many soccer fans have disabilities – both seen and unseen -- that can at times make attending a sporting event difficult to navigate, especially with CITYPARK’s overwhelmingly loud and sensory-rich environment. We want to make sure when they and their families come out to a match, we do everything possible to make our stadium a welcoming place. While I know St. Louis has rallied around ‘All for CITY’ we also want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in CITYPARK, and we truly want to be ‘CITY for All’ as well.”
Calgary Airport
Creating inclusive and accessible experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities is a priority of The Calgary Airport Authority (The Authority). As part of this commitment, Calgary International Airport (YYC) have joined the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
Chris Miles, Vice President, Operations & Infrastructure for The Calgary Airport Authority said: "We are thrilled to bring the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to YYC. Travelling can be a stressful experience for anyone, but for those with hidden disabilities, it can be particularly challenging. This program will help us provide a welcoming and inclusive airport experience for all of our guests."
Paul White, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower said: "We are delighted to welcome Calgary International Airport (YYC) to the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. It is important that passengers with non-visible disabilities feel supported during their journey, whether it is the beginning, middle or end of their travels. YYC have committed time and passion to implement the training to ensure that Sunflower wearers are recognised by their staff to receive the additional help, understanding and kindness they need.”
Passengers can pick up their Sunflower items, including a lanyard, pin, and/or ID card, from Information on the Arrivals level, beside Door 9, or by requesting items a minimum of two weeks in advance using YYC’s Accessible Support Request Form. Wearing the Sunflower signals to those around them that the wearer may need extra support or understanding during their journey.