It is estimated that around 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a disability.
Some disabilities and conditions are not obvious or “Easy” for people to recognise, for example conditions such as Autism, Crohn’s disease, Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis are all classed as “Hidden disabilities”.
This can make it hard for some to understand or believe that those living with hidden disabilities need support. People will often say “You don’t look disabled”
This stigma and misunderstanding is what led to the creation of the Sunflower Lanyard in 2016. It was created as a way to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding of those with hidden disabilities.
It was designed to be a discreet way to let others know that you may need some extra help or adjustments. Businesses from across the globe have embraced the Sunflower lanyard ranging from retail stores to airports, hospitals. Schools, government agencies and many more.
As an Autistic person, I live with a Hidden disability.
I often find it difficult to navigate my way around airports, I find them extremely stressful, confusing and overwhelming. For the past three years I have been wearing a Sunflower Lanyard while travelling and it has really improved my experiences.
Airport staff are quick to recognise the lanyard and offer extra support and guidance. When travelling through Manchester airport to get to Spain, the staff were incredibly helpful.
They showed me to the special assistance desk and then helped me access the special assistance queues. This allowed me to avoid becoming more stressed an overwhelmed in the other lines. The staff would regularly check in with me to make sure I knew where I was going next and what to expect.
Once I had landed in my destination, the Spanish airport staff were also able to spot my Sunflower lanyard and continued to point me in the direction of the special assistance queues, and offered assistance/help whenever needed.
The Sunflower lanyard is available to everyone with a hidden disability and can be ordered from their website.
Hidden Disabilities: Heather's Experience Using a Sunflower Lanyard
At CHANGE, we champion accessible communication and understanding. In the second of two personal accounts from wearers, Heather shares their first-hand experience as an Autistic person using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. Their story illustrates the tangible difference this simple tool can make in navigating public spaces and fostering a more inclusive world.
The Sunflower scheme helps many of CHANGE’s members who live with hidden disabilities. You can read about Cheryl’s personal journey with Autism and the Sunflower here.
Heather and Cheryl’s powerful accounts highlight the crucial role of visible understanding in daily life. At CHANGE, we are committed to making the world more accessible for everyone. Our Easy Read Image Bank and Bespoke Easy Read Services help organisations create communications that truly connect. Explore our resources, including our new Sunflower lanyard designs, to support hidden disabilities awareness.
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.