At Gold Coast Airport, we’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive experience for every traveller. That’s why we partner with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to continually grow and improve our Hidden Disabilities Program.

Our program, which launched in 2019, is designed to support adults, children and their families by helping you pre-plan your journey and discreetly let our team know if you need a little extra help.

We’ve introduced a range of thoughtful initiatives to make the airport experience easier. These include the Sunflower Lanyard Program, therapy dogs, a terminal sensory map, communication boards, and written and visual social stories. Each one helps reduce stress and supports a more confident journey through our terminal.

Airports can be crowded and noisy, which can be overwhelming for some travellers. To help you navigate Gold Coast Airport, we’ve created a Terminal Sensory Map. 

This map highlights areas that have low, medium, and high sensory levels, so you can choose the route that best suits your needs. The terminal also includes Low Sensory Entry, Low Sensory Amenity Block, and a Sensory-Friendly Room to provide you with quiet spaces if needed.

Download our Terminal Sensory Map

There are three multi faith rooms in the terminal. One is in the landside concourse area directly opposite the main screening point. The second is in the international departures lounge on Level 02. Both rooms are also accessible for those with hidden disabilities requiring a quiet space. The third is located at the domestic departures, northern amenity block near Gate 05.

Our Communication and Sequencing Boards are designed to assist travelers who may have difficulty communicating, including those who are non-verbal, have speech difficulties, or speak languages other than English. These boards use pictures, icons, and text to help identify key locations and information, ensuring that all passengers can easily get the help they need. 

Click the links below to download Communication Cards and Sequencing Boards that guide you through different airport processes: 

• How to use a Communication Boards
• Before Security Screening
• Screening Sequence
• After Security Screening
• International Departures Screening Sequence, Powders, Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (PLAGS)
• International Departures, Passport Process
• International Arrivals, Passport Process

To help prepare for your journey, we offer Written Social Story Journeys that outline what to expect at each stage of the airport process, including domestic and international departures and arrivals. For a more visual experience, we also have Visual Social Story Videos to guide you through the terminal. 

Written Social Stories

• Download our Domestic Departures Social Story
• Download our Domestic Arrivals Social Story
• Download our International Departures Social Story

• International Arrivals Social Story

   

Visual Social Story Videos

Departing from the Domestic Terminal

Departing from the International Terminal

Arriving at the Domestic Terminal

Arriving at the International Terminal

Travel can be stressful, but our AmbassaPAW therapy dogs are here to offer some much-needed comfort. These trained therapy dogs are available throughout the week to help alleviate travel-related anxiety for all passengers, including those with hidden disabilities.

Monday: Apollo

Tuesday: Bonnie

Wednesday: Alice

Thursday: Chappie

Friday: Lucy

If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, you can request a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard. The lanyard discreetly signals to airport staff that you may need additional support or extra time during your journey. Wearing the sunflower lanyard ensures that you’ll receive the assistance you need, whether it’s through security or while navigating the terminal. 

Please note that a sunflower lanyard does not exempt you from being security screened. To remain compliant with government regulations, we screen everyone passing through our security point, whether they’re catching a flight or not. 

When you request a Sunflower Lanyard Pack from Gold Coast Airport, you’ll receive:

• The Sunflower Lanyard
• An AmbassaPAWS card, so you can know all about our therapy dogs
• A Terminal Sensory Map to help you navigate quieter areas of the airport
• A Fidget Wristband to help with calming and focus during the journey

Alternatively, you can visit the Gold Coast Airport information desk at Check-in for assistance. 

• Virgin Australia
• Jetstar Australia
• Qantas
• Cairns Airport
• Melbourne Airport
• Perth Airport
• Sydney Airport
• Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT)

For any questions or assistance regarding our Hidden Disabilities Program, please reach out to us at hiddendisabilities@gcal.com.au.

We’re always looking for ways to improve our services and make your experience better. If you have any feedback about our Hidden Disabilities Program or any other services, please feel free to share it with us. Give your feedback here.