AIRPORT OPERATING NORMALLY
Sunflower – Invisible Disabilities
Invisible disabilities are not immediately obvious; they can be physical, mental, or neurological. Many people experience a combination of visible and invisible impairments. In Colombia, seven types of disabilities are identified, not all of which are hidden: Hearing, Physical, Intellectual, Visual, Deafblindness, Psychosocial, and Multiple.
To provide special attention to people with invisible disabilities, El Dorado has partnered with the organization Hidden Disabilities and its Sunflower program.
Anyone with an invisible disability or their travel companion can request a Sunflower ribbon at airport service points by presenting a membership document from a foundation or organization that supports individuals with particular needs. Alternatively, they can simply inform airport staff about their disability for statistical purposes to better understand their needs.
Carrying the Sunflower ribbon allows airport and affiliated airline staff to identify individuals in need of special assistance. Support for Sunflower ribbon users includes airport processes such as information points, access to docks, airport security procedures, as well as processes with relevant authorities like Migration Colombia and DIAN. Our goal is to ensure that everyone involved is properly prepared to provide specialized and respectful assistance.
This way, the airport becomes part of the 240 airports in 30 countries that implement inclusive and supportive actions to enhance the travel experience for individuals with hidden disabilities that are not immediately visible.
El Dorado is affiliated with the following institutions and airlines within the Sunflower program:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an invisible disability?
In the world, 1 in 7 people lives with a disability, and of these, 80% are invisible. These disabilities are not immediately obvious; they can be physical, mental, or neurological, and many people experience a combination of visible and invisible impairments. In Colombia, seven types of disabilities are identified, which are not mutually exclusive, and not all of them are invisible: Hearing, Physical, Intellectual, Visual, Deafblindness, Psychosocial, and Multiple.
What is a Sunflower ribbon?
It is a discreet signal to indicate to airport staff associated with the program that the person wearing it or someone in their travel group has an invisible disability and may need special assistance, additional support, help, or a little extra time during airport procedures.
What happens when a passenger wears the "Sunflower" ribbon?
Wearing the Sunflower ribbon within El Dorado will subtly signal airport staff associated with the program, and they will provide special assistance, extra time, and patience for airport procedures. If the traveler requires a wheelchair service, they should request it directly from the airline.
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Who can request the Sunflower ribbon?
The Sunflower ribbon can be requested directly at the information points by a passenger with invisible disabilities or one of their travel companions by presenting a membership document from a foundation or organization that supports individuals with particular needs. Alternatively, they can simply inform what the disability is.
Is there any cost?
The Sunflower program ribbon is free at El Dorado; you can request it without having to pay for it.
What benefit is obtained by wearing the Sunflower ribbon?
Wearing the Sunflower ribbon will indicate to airport staff associated with the program that the person traveling needs special assistance, help, or a little extra time during various processes to catch their flight. Additionally, the person wearing the ribbon will be recognized not only in the global network of airports affiliated with the Sunflower program but also in a wide variety of sectors such as theme parks, museums, tourist sites, financial institutions, universities, healthcare systems, and more. You can find more information about associated entities at the following link [Information available only in English].
How can you get a Sunflower ribbon at El Dorado?
Passengers can request them at the information points of El Dorado International Airport:
● Terminal 1: Second floor between entrance doors 4 and 5.
● Terminal 2: In the Puente Aéreo, first floor, western side of gate 3.Does wearing the Sunflower ribbon provide access to priority lines?
At El Dorado International Airport, wearing the Sunflower ribbon will allow individuals to access priority lines during airport security, Migration Colombia, and DIAN processes. Wearing the Sunflower ribbon does not entitle anyone to use fast-track lines or skip any airport process.
