Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) is joining a worldwide movement to help people with  better navigate the airport.

Starting Thursday, (Nov. 14) travellers at YYJ can receive a free and reusable Sunflower lanyard that they can wear throughout their journey. The lanyard is meant to discreetly indicate to airport staff the person may need extra support or a little extra time and patience. 

"We are so pleased to bring the Sunflower program to YYJ and continue to demonstrate our commitment to making travel more accessible鈥� said Elizabeth M. Brown, VAA president and CEO. 

She explains the airport can be stressful for a person with a disability so this is a subtle and easy way staff can make the whole process friendly and inclusive for everyone.

Currently, there are 240 airports across the world who have joined the Sunflower program, according to the Hidden Disabilities website.

Invisible disabilities can come in many forms. They can be physical, mental or neurological and include, but not limited to autism, ADHD, cognitive disabilities such as learning difficulties, dementia, mental health conditions, speech challenges and auditory and visual conditions. 

They can also include respiratory and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic pain and sleep disorders.

鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to have Victoria International Airport as a member of the Sunflower program, helping domestic and international travellers with non-visible disabilities have a smoother travel experience鈥� said Clare Kumar, regional director of the Hidden Disabilities program in Canada.

The lanyards are available at the customer service desk in the Departures check-in, the information desk in Arrivals and are also included in YYJ's sensory resource kits. 

For more information about this program and other accessibility services, visit o.