Down the Tubes Productions

In 2016 or thereabouts, there has been a Sunflower Lanyard Initiative. It is – quite literally – a lanyard with sunflowers printed on it with the purpose of serving as a subtle, non-verbal signal to employees across sectors that an individual may have an invisible disability or require additional assistance. For additional information, please travel to their website, linked above. It has been launched, as of this writing, in Australia, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE and the USA.

Supposedly in the USA.  

I have long used my voice as my primary method for self-identification and self-advocacy as it relates to my hearing loss. I have never shied away from speaking up – loudly and often – for what my needs are in order to successfully navigate a world not designed with my needs in mind. Knowing that I was traveling overseas for the first time in a few years – and definitely for the first time since my hearing loss has begun an increasingly rapid dive – I decided that it was time for me to swallow my proverbial pride and try out the sunflower lanyard. 

I felt weird about it. I felt like I was “giving in” to something. I felt that it was a cop-out, laziness, or taking a shortcut. I was concerned, too, that I was opening myself up for handing over the decision-making power to someone else, thus relinquishing my own agency and control. But – in the name of “Down the Tubes”, I took one for the team. I purchased the lanyard on Amazon, and made my own little insert card that said the following: 

I slung it around my neck starting with our Uber ride to the airport. I was traveling with others so I didn’t feel the need to point out the lanyard or card to the driver, who was lovely on his own. (Thank you, Antonio!) As we rode along, I started to wonder how I was going to navigate the use of the lanyard with the TSA employees – who are the bane of my existence, not sorry, I have had one too many “special searches” for my liking. Would I speak up and explain it? Wait for it to be noticed? Just hold up the card and make them read it? There was no “rulebook”. But I figured that because this had been launched in the USA already per the sunflower lanyard website, then it must be common practice. 

I was wrong. 

I opted to go with the holding up of the card and not speak until necessary. I was curious to see if people would yell loudly, over enunciate, start signing at me (my favorite, insert eye roll here) or stare blankly (another popular response to hearing loss disclosure). 

Here is how it went: 

It started at the ticketing and baggage drop counter. The agent looked a little bewildered when I held up the card, but she did read it and smiled at me, uttering a quiet “Ok”.  She then proceeded as one normally would with the check-in and bag tagging process. I appreciated that when she printed our boarding pass, she came around to the front of the counter to stand closer to me. She also pointed to each pertinent item on the boarding pass as she explained them to me while speaking clearly and maintaining eye contact. Much appreciated, handled it with grace and respect, so hats off to the lovely agent at the Aer Lingus counter! 

And then came the real test – the TSA agents. 

I was not impressed.

TSA Agent #1 – Checkpoint: 

Squinted at the card, squinted at me, and waved me forward to the station where your picture is taken. Did not speak to me and barely acknowledged my presence. 

TSA Agent #2 – Picture Taking:

Glanced at the card as I held it up, nodded at me, and proceeded to speak to my traveling companion above my head instead. I felt invisible. I scowled during the photo for good measure. (And completely recognize that this has not helped my campaign with not getting searched each time I travel). 

TSA Agent #3 – Baggage Screening

My favorite TSA agent, probably ever! He paused, took a look at me, read the card, and broke out into a huge smile and said, “Cool!”  He then graciously spoke clearly and faced me without needing a reminder. He also accompanied his words with gestures as to how to position the basket on the belt. He asked me in a slightly louder than average speaking voice if I had a Kindle, laptop, or other electronics to scan. He was delightful! 

TSA Agent #4 – Scanner

I believe our not being fans of one another was mutual by the end of this interaction. I held up my card and she did not acknowledge me or the card until I pointed to it. She then screamed in response “You can take it off and hold it!” The point seemed to have been missed. Greatly. 

(And before anyone comes at me about giving people grace – there is zero excuse for not accommodating a traveler with a disability. None.) 

I made it to the gate, and surprisingly had no issues with figuring out when to board the plane. I stood close to the desk and waited for my row number range to be called. I settled into my seat and closed my eyes for some fitful sleep during the red eye flight. I was pretty relaxed about everything until we landed in Ireland and I realized that I would now need to navigate the hurdle of immigration which is always stress inducing because I panic that I am somehow unknowingly smuggling in illegal substances. Whilst waiting in the line to pass through customs, I assessed my two agent choices. I opted for the left line as I glimpsed a red haired gentleman about my age and figured I would appeal to his better nature by flashing my award winning smile if things became befuddled. (As Brad says, “Do what you’re good at!”). 

I picked a winner. He was charming, sincere, and patient. He read my lanyard then shifted to speaking at a slower yet intelligible pace which helped immensely because I was concerned that I would be stumbling more than normal with his accent. It was the easiest transaction I have ever had while traveling – Ireland for the win! Sadly, he ended his shift before the remainder of my traveling party arrived from New York as I had texted them to get in the left line with the cute red haired officer! 

Overall, it was an…experience. Not sure how helpful it was or if it comes down to a “luck of the draw” situation. I did employ this on a Friday evening at the start of a Massachusetts school break where I imagine nerves were already frayed for airline workers. Regardless, as I mentioned earlier, no excuses for not accommodating anyone with a different ability. Ever.