Sunflower lanyard scheme can help signal hidden disabilities

Not all disabilities are visible. In the UK, 1 in 5 people have a disability and 80% of these people have a hidden disability.

Hidden disabilities don't have physical signs and include learning difficulties, mental health as well as mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments. They can also include asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions as well as chronic illnesses such as renal failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders when those diseases significantly impact day-to-day life.

Living with these conditions can make daily life more demanding for many people and, without visible evidence of the hidden disability, it is often difficult for others to acknowledge and understand the challenges they face.

But did you know that there is a globally-recognised scheme that helps someone discreetly indicate to others that they have a hidden disability and may need additional support?

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme was launched in 2016 to make cards and lanyards available to people with a hidden disability to help them signal they may need extra time or assistance.

The design, a yellow sunflower on a green background, is now universally-recognised by airports, rail and coach providers, leisure facilities, the NHS, police, fire and ambulance services and a number of small and large businesses and organisations.

The sunflower lanyards can be picked up for free at all major UK airports, Liverpool Lime Street train station, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, M&S and Argos.

You can also purchase a lanyard online for a small fee at the Hidden Disabilities store, where you can also find out more about the scheme.