SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica — Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) has officially incorporated the internationally recognized Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. This initiative is designed to strengthen inclusion and accessibility within the air terminal, ensuring a seamless and supportive travel experience for passengers with non-visible conditions.

As part of this rollout, airport operator AERIS has completed specialized training for its frontline, customer-facing staff. The training reinforces high-quality, empathetic assistance for travelers who may require additional support, patience, or guidance as they navigate through the terminal’s various stages of travel.

What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?

Launched originally in 2016 at London Gatwick Airport, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is a simple yet powerful tool. It utilizes a recognizable sunflower symbol—often worn as a lanyard, wristband, or pin—to discretely signal to airport staff, public spaces, and transport workers that a person may need extra help.

The program encompasses a wide range of non-visible conditions that are frequently unnoticed in daily interactions, including:

• Autism and neurodivergent conditions
• Severe anxiety and panic disorders
• Dementia and cognitive changes
• Chronic pain and fatigue syndromes
• Sensory processing disabilities (auditory or visual impairments)

“Our vision is a world where no one is excluded or ignored. Where people with non-visible disabilities receive full recognition and inclusion,” said Flavia Callafange, Regional Director – Latin America of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

How Passengers Can Access the Program at SJO

To ensure accessibility, Juan Santamaría International Airport has established clear protocols for passengers wishing to utilize the service:

• Requesting the Badge: Travelers can request their complimentary sunflower lanyard or identifier at the primary Information Desk located in the International Departures lobby.
• Requirements: Passengers simply need to present their passport and valid airline boarding pass to receive the badge.

To ensure widespread adoption and community understanding, the airport is installing dedicated signage and launching continuous awareness campaigns targeted at passengers, commercial tenants, and all airport employees.

“Joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program represents an important step toward strengthening our culture of service and hospitality for all our passengers,” stated Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS.

A Growing Global Movement

Statistics provided by the organization reveal a profound impact: globally, approximately one in six people lives with some form of disability, a significant portion of which are entirely non-visible. Today, the Sunflower network spans across more than 70 countries worldwide, linking major transit hubs under a unified banner of accessibility.

By integrating into this global network, Juan Santamaría International Airport significantly advances its corporate social responsibility goals, raising the standard for inclusive infrastructure and customer care in Latin American aviation.

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