Hidden Disabilities

An airport can be a busy and stressful place, especially if you are unsure what to expect on the day. It is even more stressful when you or your travel companion have a disability that is not immediately obvious to airport staff – a hidden disability. Hidden Disabilities can include autism, anxiety, dementia, mental health conditions, chronic illness, visual impairments, deaf or hard of hearing.

We want to ensure that everyone’s journey through Townsville Airport is as smooth as possible, so we have developed a program to assist you on your journey. Our Hidden Disabilities program caters for adults, children and their families, friends, and carers, providing a way for you to pre-plan your journey or let our staff know you may need support.

We recognise that people living with these disabilities and conditions and their families are the ones who best understand what they need most. That’s why we’re proud to work in partnership with organisations like Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) to design and constantly improve our Hidden Disabilities program. ASPECT employs people of all ages with both hidden and physical disabilities and works with their families to deliver evidence-informed solutions that are person-centred, family-focused and customer driven. We are also proud to work with Bayley House, an organisation that supports people living with disabilities, as well as the Australia and New Zealand stockist for Sunflower products. By displaying the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol, you’re discreetly telling people around you that you have a disability or condition that may mean that you need a little extra help or support.

This program is in proud partnership with Aspect Australia.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard

If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, wearing a sunflower lanyard when you are at Townsville Airport is a discreet way for you to indicate to our team that you may need a little extra help, guidance or time with the airport processes. Our team has been trained to recognise the lanyard and provide the assistance and support you may need.

Tips for using the sunflower lanyard:

If you are feeling overwhelmed or have specific requirements, please don’t hesitate to approach a Townsville Airport team member for help or to make a request.
Please use the priority lane at security screening. Security team members are aware of varying disabilities and will conduct searches as efficiently and sensitively as possible.
The lanyard does not provide a personal escort through the airport process. If you require this level of assistance or wheelchair assistance your airline is best placed to help you.

Hidden disability lanyards can be purchased from Bayley House

Helpful Links

Should you have any general queries, you may email us at hiddendisabilities@tsvairport.com.au

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