Hidden Disability.

Belfast International Airport deserves praise, for the continued introduction and use of their sunflower lanyard.

By wearing this lanyard discreetly around her neck, it reduces Beth’s stress and anxiety and makes the journey of travelling through security and airport as a whole, effortless for us all as a family.

Beth also wears the lanyard in other airport destinations and Faro airport in particular, is excellent at providing Beth with the reassurance she needs. I also should at this point record that easyJet staff are very accommodating.

We do not ask for special assistance, we don’t need any fuss or attention drawn to us, we just need a little patience and understanding. To date we have always received this, unfortunately on our most recent trip we came under criticism when some very unforgiving passengers complained loudly to anyone around them who listened, that we were jumping the queue to board the plane. It was further disappointing to observe other passengers agreeing with the statement being proclaimed ‘wouldn’t it be great if everyone could just walk up to the front of the queue and board whenever they wanted.’ sadly Beth was standing on the other side of the barrier watching the reaction of these passengers and heard everything they said.

My husband kept his back to the passengers silently praying that they would keep quiet, I on the other hand with my heart banging in my chest, addressed the individuals and politely explained that our daughter merely required a little extra time to board the plane. When walking to the plane an older lady in a wheelchair took my hand and whispered ‘don’t worry love they are just too shortsighted to see that sometimes the disability in a person is hidden’. Another gentleman piped up ‘people just don’t think and are so selfish’

So to all travellers, on behalf of Beth, take a minute to stop and consider… What does it matter if someone appears to be queue jumping, ask yourself why this might be.

With all of my heart I can tell you now, I would love nothing more for Beth to be at the back of the queue with everyone else, waiting her turn.