The Sunflower is a globally recognized symbol for non-visible disabilities or invisible disabilities. Since it was established in the UK in 2016, it has been adopted to support students, colleagues and customers all over the world.
The hidden disabilities sunflower lanyard is a discreet way for people with hidden disabilities to show that they need extra support, help or a little more time.
Why did we choose a sunflower? Without a visual cue, it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge, or understand the daily barriers faced by people living with am invisible disability. We wanted a discreet sign which was still clearly visible from a distance as well as being distinctive, joyful, and dynamic.
What is the Sunflower Lanyard? The Sunflower Lanyard is a green lanyard that's decorated, as you might expect, with yellow sunflowers. Raising awareness of hidden disabilities, this lanyard is a sign that the wearer might need some extra support.
Invisible disabilities can include chronic illnesses such as renal failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders if those diseases significantly impair normal activities of daily living.
An invisible illness is an umbrella term for any medical condition that isn't easily visible to others. This includes chronic physical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and others — but also mental illnesses.
Lanyards are available for passengers with invisible disabilities to help identify that they may need extra help or additional time while travelling. Toronto Pearson is the first airport in Canada to offer the Sunflower Program for passengers with invisible disabilities.
Blue Badges can now be granted to those who cannot walk as part of a journey without 'considerable psychological distress' or the 'risk of serious harm' as well as the original criteria of poor mobility.
Anyone who enquired about the balloons, received a purple lanyard. It was a fun and engaging way of raising awareness around disability, and was followed up by various communications.
The Sunflower Lanyard Program for Hidden Disability Awareness, supported by charities, has been introduced where a sunflower lanyard, worn around the neck, lets others know that you have hidden disabilities.
Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around you including staff, colleagues and health professionals that you have a non-visible disability and you may need additional support, help or more time.
How to get a Sunflower lanyard. Free Sunflower lanyards are available to customers with a hidden disability. Ask at the customer service desk in larger stores, or at the checkout in smaller ones*. You don't need to provide proof of a disability.
The white icon of a person in a wheelchair set against a blue background is known worldwide as the universal symbol for disability.
The term we define invisible disability refers to symptoms such as debilitating pain, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive dysfunctions, brain injuries, learning differences and mental health disorders, as well as hearing and vision impairments.
Sunflower lanyards are given to institutions and companies that are members of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower group, which means they will have sunflower lanyards at their disposal to donate to colleagues and customers for free.
White lanyards mean you are okay being photographed. A red one means you are not. Wearing a name badge is required during our events so a colored lanyard is a very visible way to communicate a preference without having to say a word.
According to the picture, green lanyards indicate that staff are “Okay with hugs and high-fives”, orange lanyards state that wearers are “Okay with talking but not touching”, while a red lanyard means “Hi!
Wearing one shows your commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all of our LGBTQ+ staff and students. It also shows LGBTQ+ people that they can 'bring their whole selves' to you without fear of judgement or an unsupportive reaction.
You can pick up a Sunflower Lanyard from many large retailers including Tesco, Sainsburys, Argos and Marks and Spencer. They're also available from all major airports and many railway stations. You can find out where the lanyard is recognised by using the search tool on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website.
If you're at an airport/business/institution that recognizes the Sunflower lanyard (see below), ask the staff where you can pick one up. There are no sign-up forms, questions asked, or request for proof of a hidden disability. The lanyard is free and you can keep it for life!
Passengers can pick up a Sunflower Lanyard at information desks in Terminals 1 and 3 and at the Lost and Found area in Terminal 1 or they can be requested prior to travel by mail through our online form, at least 14 days in advance.
Those with Hidden Disabilities Are Not Faking It
Heart disease. Lung disease. Hearing loss. Multiple chemical sensitivities.
Idiopathic: Of unknown cause. Any disease that is of uncertain or unknown origin may be termed idiopathic. For example, acute idiopathic polyneuritis, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathic scoliosis, etc.
An invisible disability can include, but is not limited to: cognitive impairment and brain injury; the autism spectrum; chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia; d/Deaf and/or hard of hearing; blindness and/or low vision; anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many more.