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Insights
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.
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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.
Counterfeit sales and profiteering were a problem long before digital marketplaces emerged. However, online sales of fake merchandise is a growing problem as digital marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon have made it much easier for profiteers and sellers of counterfeit goods to establish an online presence with a far and wide-reaching customer base. Sadly, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has found itself tackling this problem head-on, with our products being resold for profit and the emergence of counterfeit designs claiming to be the real thing.
Watchdog on the BBC One Show
Watchdog looked into the sale of hidden disabilities sunflower lanyards on platforms including Amazon and eBay. Find out what the companies told them about it.
In this episode of the Sunflower Stories, we talk to Matthew Stanton about his experiences of wearing the lanyard.
In this episode of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Stories, we talk to Tammy Blake whose hidden disability leaves her in a lot of pain.
In this episode of the Sunflower Stories, husband and wife, Paul & Penny Hoskins, share their experiences.
November 25, 2020
We are proud to be included in Robert Elms' BBC Radio London show - 'Whose London'. The program focused on those living with hidden disabilities in London. Don't worry if you missed it, you can listen to the discussion on the BBC sounds site here: https://bbc.in/3pZK4in
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This is Leah's Sunflower story. Leah's autism is not only invisible to others but is was also invisible to Leah until a few years ago
Here's Lucy Beaty's Sunflower story. Lucy is 39, living with Parkinson's.
Here's the latest episode of the Sunflower Stories. Mum of three, Sarah Johnson, wears the Sunflower on behalf of her 9-year old, Finley.