The Sunflower Lanyard for Hidden Disabilities

Hidden Disabilities
Oftentimes, disabilities may not be immediately visible to others in public spaces. When a disability is non-visible to onlookers, it is referred to as a “hidden disability”. Examples include, but are not limited to, learning difficulties, autism, chronic pain, other mental health conditions, mobility, speech impairments, and sensory loss such as speech, sight, hearing loss, or deafness. People living with hidden disabilities often face unique barriers in their everyday lives, and having a non-visible disability can make access to services and assistance more difficult. The sunflower, a globally recognized symbol for hidden disabilities, is a way individuals can bring awareness to their hidden disability quickly and then utilize supports to increase their access to these spaces. Created in 2016 by Ruth Rabet, The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was initially created as a way to support airport travelers with hidden disabilities. Since its establishment in 2016, the Hidden Disability Sunflower has expanded into other public spaces, as well.

The Sunflower Lanyard
The sunflower lanyard was created as a tool for airport personnel to quickly identify travelers who may be in need of individualized assistance. It is intended to be worn around the neck when traveling, and has a sunflower card attached. The sunflower card is a discrete box that has your information on it, as well as the option to personalize it with a variety of specific icons identifying your needs and abilities. Examples of these needs include:

• needing more time to transition through airport security
• needing a place to sit and rest
• accessible walkways
• bathroom access
• access to an assistance dog
• the need for space

For your convenience, the Sunflower website has a search engine that allows you to specify your location and find sunflower friendly places within a specific radius. This is a useful tool to review before traveling to check a space’s accessibility options. Linked here is a list and video of all of the airports that the Sunflower is currently recognized in. 

The Beginnings: 2016 – 2018
The sunflower was first utilized at the London Gatwick Airport in May 2016. From May 2016-2018, the Sunflower rolled out across all major UK airports and UK rail providers. Additionally, The Co-operative Channel Islands became the first UK supermarket chain to pilot the lanyard, and trials were done throughout major UK supermarkets to check the effectiveness and helpfulness of the Sunflower. The team behind the Sunflower also began the process of advocating and engaging venues at an international level towards the end of 2018.

The Sunflower Evolves: 2019 – 2020
In 2019 the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower expanded throughout the UK, now being recognized in cinemas, visitor attractions, banks, hospitals, insurance companies, shopping centers, and sports venues. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower online store then opened up to the general public and was shared on Facebook, beginning the global recognition of the sunflower. After this, Sunflower was expanded to Seattle and San Jose, the first US cities to utilize the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. In the beginning of 2020, the Sunflower continued to expand to other international venues, with nationwide launches in the US, Australia, and New Zealand. 

COVID-19 Adaptations: 2020 – Present
In collaboration with the UK Rail Network, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower adapted to COVID-19 by including an face-covering exempt card for individuals who are unable to wear a facemask due to their hidden disability. In 2021, “Our Sunflower, Your NHS ” campaign was launched, which provides free Sunflower products and training to every COVID-19 vaccination center in the UK, to ensure that individuals who wear the Sunflower will be supported while receiving their vaccine. 

Get Involved!
There are several ways to get involved with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and spread awareness about this valuable tool.

1. The digital sunflower
   During the pandemic, the Sunflower team rolled out some ways to support sunflower wearers in the digital world. The digital sunflower badge (I wear & I support) can be downloaded and added to email signatures. They also created Zoom meeting backgrounds, found here (I wear & I support). 

2. Resources to download and share
   The Sunflower website provides users with a variety of resources and infographics that spread awareness about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. You can access and  download, print, and display this information in your window, your community, and your workplace. The Sunflower site also has several educational videos that can be found on their Youtube page. 

3. Share your sunflower stories
   Additionally, there is a space on the Sunflower website called Sunflower conversations. This is a platform that allows individuals to share their stories and experiences with the Sunflower lanyard via Youtube videos or podcasts. This is also a space to bring awareness and build community related to hidden disabilities that might be less common.

4. Wear I support the sunflower
   Showing your support regardless of your ability status can help spread awareness and normalize the Sunflower. You can purchase the Sunflower lanyard and related items here.