Sunflower Program

Traveling through an airport can be stressful for passengers, especially people with disabilities or medical conditions. More than 215 airports, including the CincinnatiNorthern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), participate in the Sunflower Lanyard program.

This worldwide initiative aims to raise awareness and support people who have autism, hearing loss, anxiety, or other conditions that may not be readily visible. Employees and volunteers at many airports and other public places identify the sunflower as a symbol that a person may need additional assistance and patience.

Wearing a lanyard does not expedite security or other airport processes. Rather, it allows an individual to voluntarily share that they may need a helping hand, more understanding, or more time. At CVG, all airlines, concessions, and TSA personnel are aware of the program and how they can help travelers.

Email info@cvgairport.com to request a free sunflower lanyard that can be mailed to you. Travelers can also stop by the information desk on the baggage claim level of the airport to get a lanyard.

Instructors at Perfect North in Indiana offer adaptive ski and snowboard lessons for people with disabilities, including a seated option.

Hit the Slopes for a Cold Weather Adventure!

Have you ever wanted to try skiing or snowboarding but didn’t know how to get started? Perfect North Slopes in Indiana has a Snow Sports School that offers a variety of group or individual lessons.

They also have adaptive instructors to work with people who have a wide array of disabilities. This includes hearing or vision impairments, amputees, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and more.

To join the adaptive program, adults and children must be able to hold their head upright through rough terrain and breathe without using special equipment. Perfect North also has a sit-ski program and a limited amount of adaptive equipment available to rent.

The sunflower lanyard is for travelers with disabilities or other conditions not readily visible. It indicates to airport personnel that a person may need more time or patience.

The winter sports resort is located about 30 miles from downtown Cincinnati. Visit PerfectNorth.com or call (812) 5373754 for more information about adaptive programs.