VISIT VISALIA HIDDEN DISABILITIES SUNFLOWER PROGRAM

Visit Visalia is pleased to establish the “Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program” in our city. This initiative is a simple way for our visitors and residents to self-identify they have a disability that might require a little extra help.

Not all disabilities are visible – some are hidden and not immediately obvious, such as learning difficulties, mental health as well as mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments. Living with a hidden disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge or understand the challenges that are faced.

By utilizing the Visit Visalia Sunflower Program, guests can discreetly let hotel, attraction and restaurant staff know they are traveling with someone with special needs.  

Additional accommodations may include: 

• Expedited hotel check-in or restaurant seating when possible
• Consideration for a specific seating request
• Quick checkout if the need to leave arises
• Allowing outside food or accommodating a special request for the individual on the spectrum
• Understanding that the person may be non-verbal, have difficulty sitting still and making eye contact 

The easy-to-identify lanyards and bracelets are available at the Visit Visalia office on a complimentary basis to those visitors who simply ask for it. You can stop by our office upon arrival. If you have any questions, please call our office at (559) 334-0141. 

To have these items mailed to your home or business, please order directly from the Hidden Sunflower website.

If you are local business that would like to better serve people with hidden disabilities like autism, we can help! Just complete the form below and we will contact with the tools you need.