Hidden Disabilities Program Launches at BOI

A The City of Boise and Boise Airport are launching the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program on Friday, April 18 at the airport. This international program provides lanyards embellished with sunflowers to passengers who might need additional time, patience or assistance while traveling due to an unseen disability. 

Lanyards can be picked up in person in the Administration Office on the third floor of the Boise Airport and at City Hall in the Office of Community Engagement, or can be mailed by request at https://www.cityofboise.org/sunflower.

There are no eligibility requirements to request or wear a Sunflower lanyard. Hidden disabilities can include autism, dementia, low vision, epilepsy and many more. By wearing the lanyard, passengers discreetly communicate that they may benefit from extra support. Airport staff have been trained on the program and will wear sunflower pins indicating they are available to help.

Over 300 airports in the United States already offer the sunflower program, and about half of the Boise Airport’s nonstop destinations are included in that list. Airports in our region that participate include Salt Lake City, Seattle, Portland and Idaho Falls.

The Sunflower lanyard reflects the commitment from the City of Boise and Boise Airport to accessibility and inclusion, supporting the vision of a city for everyone.

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ABOUT THE BOISE AIRPORT

The Boise Airport welcomed nearly 5 million passengers in 2024 and is served by nine airlines flying to 27 nonstop destinations. As infrastructure critical to the region’s growth and prosperity, the Boise Airport is a vital asset for Idaho and serves as a gateway to the entire Treasure Valley. According to a recent study, each year BOI generates more than $2.9 billion in total economic impact, supports more than 21,000 jobs in the region and produces more than $157 million in state and local taxes. BOI receives no local tax dollars. Visit iflyboise.com to learn more.