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 you face.
Be visible when you want to be
Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around you including staff, colleagues and health professionals that you may need additional support, help or a little more time.
Maddie White, a first-year student at Bristol University and Sunflower wearer has recently tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently locked down in her halls of residence for a prolonged period of time. Having a hidden disability is hard and can be even harder in lockdown.
Find out what Maddie’s up to and, more importantly, how she’s coping.
On World Mental health, we would like to share with you a poem called "I struggle" sent to us by Kim as part of our "Hidden Disabilities and me" poetry competition.
About 450 million people live with poor mental health which is among the leading causes of illness and disability worldwide.
Find out more by watching our video
Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around the wearer including staff, colleagues and health professionals that they need additional support, help or a little more time. Take a minute of your time to watch our video to find out more.
If you would like to share your experience of wearing the Sunflower or would just like to discuss what the Sunflower means to you, we would love to hear from you. Email us at Sunflower Stories. and we will get in touch!
We are delighted that Pearson becomes the first airport in Canada to offer the Sunflower Lanyard Program. Pearson is focused on becoming more inclusive for passengers of all ages and abilities in order to provide a world-
This is a wonderful scheme, I have been a carer for people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's,
Airports and any crowded situations can be totally overwhelming. When on medication they are
more in control but it does wear off and procedures at airports can be lengthy, thank you so
much for giving these people a chance again to travel!
Jane recommends Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards Scheme®
I think it is a positive move for both adults and children with
hidden disabilities and apparent disadvantages that people take for granted. Brilliant idea.
Donna recommends Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards Scheme®
Excellent idea so other travellers understand Airports can be
extremely
stressful for autistic people Specially the amount of people along with confusion and noise.
I am now able to travel without fear.
Wearing one of the sunflower lanyards gave me the confidence to
travel unaccompanied,
safe in the knowledge that discreet support would be given if needed ....
Barbara recommends Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards Scheme®
A brilliant scheme for people with hidden disabilities.
