The hidden disabilities sunflower is a symbol that you or your child can wear to let people know you have a disability which might not be immediately obvious to them. This became more well known during the Covid-19 pandemic to show when someone couldn’t wear a mask when social distancing restrictions were in place.
Anyone can choose to wear a hidden disabilities sunflower at any age, and you don’t need to prove that you have a disability.
The sunflower can be ordered from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website in many countries all over the world, and can be worn on a lanyard, bracelet or cap depending on what’s easier to wear. Parents can also display them on their car to let people know there is a child inside with a disability.
What is a hidden disability?
A disability is anything which has a long-term and significant negative impact on a child’s life, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. Hidden disabilities aren’t immediately apparent to other people, and can include neurodivergence, mental health and physical conditions.
There are more than 900 invisible disabilities on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Website, but anything can be a disability if it limits what someone can do. All disabled people are protected from discrimination under the Equality Act. It’s important to be aware of invisible disabilities and make sure all environments are as accessible and inclusive as possible.
Neurodivergent children can have hidden disabilities and might experience high levels of anxiety or distress due to sensory differences. They may also mask their difficulties if they don’t feel safe and can find it difficult to ask for help if they feel their experiences aren’t going to be recognised or validated.
What are the benefits of the hidden disability sunflower?
The benefit of wearing a sunflower is that it makes a hidden disability visible. The sunflower acts as a visual cue to let people know that you or your child might need a little extra help or understanding, and it raises awareness about different types of disabilities.
When you wear a hidden disability sunflower in shops or other public places, you might find that members of staff stop to ask what they can do to help. Businesses can also proactively become a Sunflower Member to make it easier for families to find disability-friendly spaces.
The SENCo or Inclusion Team at your child’s school might be able to provide a hidden disability sunflower, and children can wear them at school to make sure that all members of staff know they might need a little extra support. It’s a personal decision whether a child feels comfortable wearing their sunflower publicly, and they might change their mind later.
Who can have a sunflower lanyard?
If your child has a hidden disability and would like to have a Sunflower lanyard because they think it would be helpful, you may get them one. The Sunflower simply signals that the wearer has a hidden disability and may require assistance, support, or additional time, but it doesn’t grant any special privileges.
Does my child need a diagnosis to have a sunflower lanyard?
No, there is no requirement for proof of the wearer’s disability as a child may be awaiting diagnosis, or have a condition that is difficult to diagnose.
What will the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower help with?
The Sunflower symbol is a shorthand way of letting those around you know that you or your child might need a little more time to process information. They might be uncomfortable in crowds, or have trouble communicating, particularly when stressed.
Sunflower Lanyard when travelling
The Sunflower lanyard was first developed with Gatwick Airport as an easy way to signal to airport and airline staff that the wearer might be struggling with the sensory overwhelm that airports can bring. Today it’s used in schools, shops, on public transport and in other environments to help signal that the wearer might need a little more time and understanding.
There’s even a Sunflower for vehicles, available from the National Highways Agency, to discreetly indicate that you might need extra support in case of a breakdown.
To find out more you can visit the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Website.
