Many of us have probably heard of the disability employment gap - the gap that exists between the percentage of all people employed, 81.3%*, and the percentage of disabled people in employment, currently 52.1%*. That's a big disparity, right. What you may not be aware of is just how wide the gap gets when you look at the statistics for people on the autism spectrum. According to the Office for National Statistics' Outcomes for disabled people in the UK report, only 21.7% of people with autism are in any form of employment, the lowest employment rate of any disability category. That's not a gap, that's a chasm.

Daniel is profoundly deaf and has cochlear implants. In this interview Dan tells us why he chooses to wear the Sunflower how it benefits him.

Back in January, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower appeared on the BBC's WatchDog when the consumer rights programme investigated the issue of counterfeit lanyard resellers on digital market places such as Amazon and eBay. The illegal and unethical selling and reselling of the Sunflower products is an issue we have been aware of for some time and something that we naturally want to end. But now things have taken a more sinister turn, as we have uncovered a counterfeit lanyard that is being produced without the essential breakaway needed to ensure that the lanyard cannot become a choking hazard.

World Hearing Day is held on 3 March each year to raise awareness on how to prevent hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world. This year the World Health Organisation has decided upon the theme 'Hearing care for all!' to raise awareness of how hearing loss can be prevented through protection against loud sounds, good ear-care practices and immunisation. Hearing can also be rehabilitated, if caught early and appropriate care and treatment is sought. World Hearing Day serves as a reminder to all that are at risk of hearing loss to make sure that they attend regular hearing checks with a health care provider.

We are thrilled to announce that the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has today launched in the Netherlands and Belgium, our first stronghold in mainland Europe.

This means that people living with a hidden disability in these regions will now have easier access to the Sunflower. With both a local representative and a dedicated, country specific website, which can be accessed in Dutch, we are better equipped to support both our Sunflower wearers and the organisations that support the initiative in these areas.

Following on from the success of our Sunflower Stories video series, we've launched a new podcast – the Sunflower Conversations.

The Sunflower Conversations delve into the depths of the issue being discussed and offers an understanding of the Sunflower's role in supporting people with hidden disabilities. Our hosts discussions with our guests not only offer a personal account of disability, disposing of myths and correcting public perception, but they also expose the affect that disability can have on education, employment and relationships.