Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is one of 200 airports worldwide participating in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program that enables people with varied disabilities, especially non-visible disabilities, to access the support they need and travel through SBA with enhanced ease.

Passengers with a disability may voluntarily choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard, or other Sunflower branded item, to discreetly indicate they need extra assistance or time.

Airport staff are trained to recognize the Sunflower and are available to provide an even higher level of assistance and support as needed.

Sunflower lanyards are available from SBA free of charge for either delivery or pick up. Visit SBA’s Sunflower program website to fill out the form to request a lanyard and learn more at https://flysba.com/sunflower.

“The Santa Barbara Airport staff work every day to ensure the safety and ease of travel for all passengers,” said Christopher Hastert, Santa Barbara Airport director. “It is our goal to be innovative and forward thinking in how we can better serve our passengers that may have diverse accessibility needs.

“By participating in the Sunflower program, passengers that may need just a little extra help can travel more easily knowing our staff are trained and ready to support them.”

SBA has Alpha Resource Center as a key community partner in the effort to spread the word about the Sunflower program.

Alpha Resource Center has been empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for 70 years. Learn more at https://alphasb.org.

To be a community partner in this effort, contact SBA at Airport@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

For more visit FlySBA.com.