All it takes is a small sunflower symbol, simple, discrete and clear, and railway staff know immediately: this person may need more time, patience or support.
With the help of sunflower badges, an international high-speed rail service in Western Europe wants to make travel on its trains more pleasant for people with anxiety disorders, multiple sclerosis, autism and other hidden disabilities.
Eurostar, whose trains connect Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, announced in March it was joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, aimed at making invisible conditions more visible. Participation is voluntary for those affected.
The company is the latest to join the Sunflower programme, which is already widespread in aviation, among other sectors. More than 320 airports in 70 countries worldwide take part. However, it is not limited to travel, with members also including banks and public officials.
Eurostar said staff have been trained to support passengers wearing the symbol and to develop a better understanding of different non-visible disabilities.
Passengers can get sunflower badges or lanyards from Eurostar offices at London St Pancras International, Paris Gare du Nord, Lille Europe, Brussels Midi/Zuid, Rotterdam Centraal and Amsterdam Centraal.
Eurostar operates passenger trains between mainland Europe and England through the Eurotunnel under the English Channel. – dpa
