I guess I didn’t realize it was for employees to know to give extra assistance? I was thinking in terms of if someone was seated in a priority seating area (like on a bus or shuttle) or used an accessible restroom, so other patrons knew not to berate them. (Yes, I have seen people get yelled at for stuff like this…)
I think it goes both ways? Someone upthread mentioned airport staff realizing they couldn’t stand in a long line, etc.
It does go both ways. People may or may not know what the sunflower lanyard is for. My experience is from airports only.
Do I need to disclose my disability to get a Sunflower lanyard? There is no qualifying list of invisible disabilities - you simply choose to wear the Sunflower to indicate that you may need additional support, help or simply a little more time.
Do I need to explain why I am wearing the Sunflower lanyard to get support? The Sunflower symbol doesn’t focus on the invisible, it triggers a simple question ‘How can I help you?’ to focus on the support or understanding you need. Simply by wearing the Sunflower, you’re letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, or just more time.
Post by basilosaurus on Oct 4, 2023 23:46:39 GMT -5
I cannot imagine how stressful going through Kuala lumpur's two terminals would be with those conditions. It's overwhelming and chaotic for me, and I know the place well. I've even stayed overnight twice, and I still walk in circles. I usually clock 2-3 miles, and that's if I don't have to transfer terminals (it's about a 15 min shuttle bus. Really they should be considered 2 separate airports).
Even with the easiest check-in, and a rare short passport control, having to look at the camera directly, invariably having a pat down (I'd say 9/10 I get one.) to have autism or spd or similar on top, I just can't imagine the stress and potential for complete meltdown.
These conditions are not unique to klia of course. And I'm guessing this is in effect in other major airports although I personally haven't noticed it.
When I first posted, it was based on me simply seeing the signs which didn't describe the conditions it was intended for, just "invisible disabilities" so I assumed they also included physical. I guess not? based on the link I found. It really should.
I see this as to notify fellow travelers, who shouldn't have to be reminded to give others grace, but also to notify staff, especially the security gauntlet, from whom I've not seen much of anything resembling that. It has taken me 2+ hours to get to my gate (plus a few miles), and that will weary even the most seasoned able bodied travelers.
I don't see draw backs since it's self identified. But I was wondering if there was something I was missing.
Post by Poeticxpassion on Oct 5, 2023 0:17:21 GMT -5
If an airport worker saw me with an oxygen tank, a walker or cane, or other medical equipment, I would hope the worker would ask if I need help. An invisible disability doesn’t have the same physical indicators. You can’t tell by looking at me that I have multiple sclerosis. People only know I need help if I ask for it, or identify myself with the sunflower.
If I see someone coming up to a door in a wheelchair, I ask if I can get the door. People don’t make the same offer to someone walking slowly to the door, limping along in pain.
I am also confused about why a red lanyard is any different or worse than a butterfly lanyard so maybe I'm just missing something in this whole thread.
Me too. It's so not the point, but please basilosaurus, explain why you're horrified by your typo.
I am also confused about why a red lanyard is any different or worse than a butterfly lanyard so maybe I'm just missing something in this whole thread.
Me too. It's so not the point, but please basilosaurus, explain why you're horrified by your typo.
I was thinking people were envisioning a red card, like danger or penalty, something is seriously wrong.
Horrified is an exaggeration, but if people thought I would think it's great to have someone obviously labeled as bad or wrong for having a disability, that's not a good look
One thing I learned from this thread is the sunflower program. I've wanted to travel more with the kids. But after the cost, the main limitation has been "but what if it's just unmanageable with my youngest?" They can go from coping to "oh shit" sometimes. So now I have an answer. Ask for a sunflower and slap it on if we are having one of those days.