Tampa International Airport (TPA) this week announced the roll out of two new initiatives for passengers and guests with both physical limitations and less visible disabilities, such as autism.
The new Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program helps Guests Services, TSA and airport police better identify and help those who have spectrum disorders or other disabilities that may not be immediately apparent. The sunflower lanyards are well known in the U.K. and other European countries, and have been successfully introduced at other U.S. airports.
The free lanyards are available at the Guest Services information kiosk in the TPA Main Terminal on Level 3. There are also TSA screening-friendly sunflower stickers available.
The airport also announced that travelers needing wheelchair assistance at TPA can now use a new electric wheelchair service called Whill. The service is free to passengers during the proof of concept that the airport is piloting through December 10. Whill (pronounced “wheel”) gives passengers with limited mobility independence and allows for more flexibility along their travels.
“We’re excited to try this service because we want to give our passengers as much control as possible,” said Daniel Glennon, TPA director of Terminal operations and guest experience. “Whill gives our passengers a comfortable, seamless experience where they can guide themselves while having the capabilities they wouldn’t have with traditional wheelchair service.”
TPA currently has 15 Whill chairs for the pilot and has rented out more than 50 during the pilot program.
