MOLINE, Ill. — To help people with hidden disabilities, the Quad Cities International Airport has implemented the Sunflower Project. The project, blooming nationwide, trains TSA Officers and Public Safety Airline Agents to assist people with hidden disabilities.
Hidden disabilities include hearing loss, dyslexia, speech impediments, epilepsy and much more. For example, someone with dyslexia could struggle to read and understand the boards that signal what gate their flight is at. A small sunflower symbol worn by the passenger lets the airport worker know they may need additional assistance.
The QC airport says a hidden disability Sunflower decal will be at each entrance to the airport, and airline employees may also wear a pin to signify the airport supports people with hidden disabilities. Wristbands are available to passengers with non-visible disabilities in the airport’s administrative offices on the far west end of the terminal.
"When we learned of the Hidden Disability Sunflower, it seemed like the perfect fit and the perfect next step for our airport to take to bring that level of service to the next level and really try to make our airport as accessible as possible," Quad Cities International Airport public relations coordinator Ashleigh Davis said.
A big reason the Sunflower Project is now at the QC airport is because of Sherrard High Schooler Megan Bowlyou. Megan was diagnosed with dyslexia at age seven and is now an advocate for individuals like herself, living with hidden disabilities.
"A lot of people who have a hidden disability struggle in silence," Bowlyou said. She is working on bringing the program into government buildings around Illinois as well.
The Sunflower Project began in 2016 in the United Kingdom and has quickly spread across airports throughout the United States. It was implemented at the QC airport in October. "It just starts by asking the question, 'how can I how can I help you today' and then taking their lead and understanding what you can do to support them," Davis said.
All Quad City TSA Officers and Public Safety Airline Agents participated in a training webinar led by a Sunflower Project representative.