Vasil Levski Sofia Airport became part of the global initiative supporting people with hidden disabilities, “The Sunflower” (Hidden Disabilities Sunflower). In this way, the airport is introducing a new service standard by ensuring calm, understanding, and barrier-free travel for people with hidden disabilities. Sofia‘s airport is the first in Bulgaria and joins more than 325 airports worldwide that are members of the initiative.
“We are proud to be part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network and thus reaffirm our ambition to become a 5-star regional hub that provides accessible travel for all.”, said Jesus Caballero, CEO of SOF Connect.
Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “We are extremely excited by Sofia Airport’s announcement that it has become the first airport in Bulgaria to join the global Sunflower network to support its passengers and staff who have non-visible disabilities. The airport is leading the way by embracing the Sunflower training to ensure that Sunflower wearers feel seen and acknowledged, demonstrating a clear commitment to disability inclusion and creating a welcoming environment for all.“
“The Sunflower” program uses distinctive green badges or pins featuring a sunflower as a discreet symbol of hidden disabilities, including autism, dementia, anxiety disorders, and others. When an airport staff member sees this symbol, they know that the passenger may need extra time and patience, clearer instructions, or assistance when going through security checks.
To ensure the highest level of support, Vasil Levski Sofia Airport is joining Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in partnership with the foundation of “Autism Today,” which focuses on creating specialized centers that provide high-quality social services for children and young people with autism in Bulgaria. Experts from “Autism Today” conducted in-person training sessions so that every airport employee can approach passengers with hidden disabilities with knowledge, understanding, and empathy.
The initiative’s identification items “The Sunflower” (badges, wristbands, pins) are available to all passengers with hidden disabilities. Travelers can receive them upon request at the Security checkpoints at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are marked with the symbol.
As part of the project to build the new Terminal 3, SOF Connect plans to create a specialized “Sensory Room” – a calm space designed to offer passengers with hidden disabilities an environment for rest and maximum comfort.
More about the initiative “The Sunflower”, you can read here: https://devnew.sofia-airport.orbisds.com/en/at-the-airport/travel-information/the-sunflower/
Photos can be downloaded from this link: https://tinyurl.com/6cym4zx2