Westchester County Launches Hidden Disability Sunflower Program at County Airport

Watch the full press conference on YouTube.

Next time you see a string of sunflowers at the Westchester County Airport, be careful. Just in time for the busy holiday travel season, Westchester County Airport is launching the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program to support passengers with hidden disabilities and their accessibility needs. If a traveler voluntarily chooses to wear sunflower thongs, it is a discreet way to let others know that they have a disability. passengers and designed to enhance their travel experience.

Westchester County Administrator George Latimer said: At Westchester County Airport, it is important that we consider all our customers. Especially for customers with accessibility needs, we take care in this enhanced way. The Sunflower Program helps people with hidden disabilities use the lanyard to let others know that they may need additional support services. We are happy to provide it. ”

Here are some key points about the Hidden Obstacles Sunflower Program:

• Passengers who voluntarily wear sunflower strings do not have to disclose their disability.
• Wearing a sunflower strap won’t get you through TSA security screening faster.
• Passengers can use Sunflower straps and other products at other airports and businesses that support hidden disability Sunflower.

Learn more about the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program.

Airport Manager April L. Gaspari said: With more than 750,000 passengers projected to depart this year, he is confident that he will receive many travelers with hidden disabilities. Inclusiveness is part of the county fiber. Going organic on your airport travel journey is a given. ”

U.S. Marshals Commissioner Robert Duffy said: Today, we at his TSA are pleased to assist Westchester County Airport leadership in launching this very important and very successful program at his HPN. At TSA, we constantly strive to provide thorough and effective security screening in a professional and respectful manner at all airports. The use of Sunflower Lanyards helps us better meet the needs of travelers by alerting passengers who need additional time and assistance in passing through security screening checkpoints. ”

Evan Ratainer, director of the Westchester County Disability Office, said: The Himawari Program provides passengers who happen to need assistance with a non-obtrusive way for airport staff to recognize that the wearer may need some assistance to move around the airport. ”

Disability Advisory Committee Chair Karin Horowitz said: As Chair of the County Executive Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities, we are excited to partner with airport leaders to advance these initiatives that increase accessibility and awareness at airports. ”

said Millie Becker, President and CEO of Skyqueen Enterprises. Westchester County medical professionals have directed our family to the resources and guidance they need to help their son John learn and grow. Thank you to the county administrators and airport management for giving me this. Traveling can be a stressful experience and families with special needs will find the airport has resources to make their experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. ”