Miami International Airport (MIA) has become the 10th U.S. airport to implement the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard initiative for travelers with hidden disabilities and has launched a second multi-sensory room.
MIA launched its new MyMIAccess program. Among the changes include an additional multi-sensory room for passengers with cognitive and developmental disabilities and the provision of sunflower lanyards for people with hidden disabilities.
The lanyards, which act as a discreet indicator to airport employees that those passengers may need some extra time during the travel process, were unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 12 with community partners for MIA’s second multi-sensory room.
“Our highest priority at MIA continues to be making the joy of air travel easily and safely accessible for all our passengers. We are proud to be one of a growing number of airports worldwide providing sunflower lanyards and adding another multi-sensory room to our terminal. .” said Lester Sola, MIA Director and CEO.
The goal of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard global initiative is to raise awareness that some disabilities, such as autism, hearing loss, and PTSD, are not visible. Last month, MIA employees received customer service training about the lanyards and best practices for serving travelers with hidden disabilities.
For more information on how to receive a lanyard and the other accessibility services are available at the MyMIAccess web page.