Let me take you back to 2017. The yellow sunflower scheme had just been introduced at Manchester airport. It was like someone had handed me the answer for navigating life. I have always had a hidden disability – Autism, it's not something that people can normally spot by just looking at me. So, when I heard about the yellow sunflower scheme, I thought “this sounds like exactly what I need”
Now, if you are wondering what this yellow sunflower is all about, here is the backstory. The scheme was launched in 2016 by the Greater Manchester Chambers of Commerce, that is a lot of words isn't? The scheme it really didn't take off until 2017. It started in Manchester airport, to help those with hidden disabilities like autism, anxiety and other conditions that are not so obvious.
The idea is genius, by wearing the yellow flower lanyard it sends a silent signal to those around you by saying “Hey, I might need extra help”, since then the scheme has been picked up by other airports, shops and hospitals, basically anywhere a person feels like they might need it.
Gone were the days of silently standing in a Secuity line, wondering whether I should ask for help but not wanting to be “that person”. With the lanyard, airport staff immediately knew that I might need help. I had help from the start, from the check in, to fast track through security, to the disability seating area to being first on the plane.
Now, let's talk about 2020 onwards, you know where the whole world stood still, wearing a mask during covid 19 wasn't just an inconvenience. It was like someone telling me to hold ice with my bear hands, and keep it there, Now imagine the pain, the discomfort, and throw in sensory issues like breathing in my own hot stale air, and external factors like what was going on around me, it felt like I was being slowly tortured. I ended up using my sunflower lanyard to explain to anyone that asked why I wasn't wearing a mask. I’d point to it “I'm autistic, I struggle with sensory issue” Most people understood.
I have worn the lanyard in supermarkets, when going in to buy something like milk can feel like being in a locked in room with no escape because shops changed the shop layout, the shops get busy with people and the smells of cooking bread can be overpowering. However, with the lanyard I feel confident to ask the shop assistance for help.
I have worn this lanyard at music festivals, the theatre, and the London underground. Last month the London underground was very busy with no seats available. I saw someone sitting in a disabled seat and ask if they needed the seat as I am autistic, they looked up, saw the lanyard and said I could have the seat. I was about to have a panic attack because it was so busy, sitting down gave me the opportunity to practice my breathing techniques and manage the panic attack in a more accessible way. Without the lanyard I would have not felt comfortable to ask for a seat someone was sitting in.
At the end of the day, the yellow sunflower lanyard has been my shield when it came to my hidden disability, it's the little things that makes life easier, and honestly not having to explain my self all the time was a relief. The lanyard is like a badge of honour “yes I am here, I'm doing my best, I need some help now and again”
So here is to my yellow sunflower Lanyard, the unsung hero of my daily life, it made a difference in so many ways, in ways I didn't even know I need it. If you have a hidden disability or if you are struggling, I recommend the scheme to you. It is more than a lanyard; it is a tool for feeling seen and understood. Wear it with pride and know you are not alone.
Embracing the Yellow Sunflower: Cheryl's Journey with the Hidden Disability Scheme and Autism
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme offers a simple way for people to signal that they may need extra support or understanding. In the first of two personal accounts from wearers, Cheryl, a member of the CHANGE team, shares her personal journey with Autism and the Sunflower since 2017. Her story vividly illustrates how this symbol has acted as her 'shield,' bringing confidence and ease to everyday situations, even through challenging times like the pandemic.
The Sunflower scheme helps many of CHANGE’s members who live with hidden disabilities. You can read about Heather’s experience using a Sunflower lanyard here.
Cheryl and Heather’s compelling stories beautifully illustrate the profound impact of feeling seen and understood. At CHANGE, we believe in the power of clear and accessible communication to foster truly inclusive environments. We are proud to support initiatives like the Sunflower Movement. Consider how our Easy Read Image Bank, including our new Sunflower lanyard designs, could help your organisation promote better understanding and accessibility.
How CHANGE helps make information accessible
As well as our Easy Read Image Bank and Bespoke Easy Read Services, CHANGE provides Accessible Review and Training Sessions. We also offer free resources, including our guide on How to Make Information Accessible.
To find out more about how we can help you connect more effectively with diverse audiences, call us, email [email protected] or fill out the form below, and keep up to date with what we are doing at CHANGE by subscribing to our mailing list.