Sunflower lanyards available free for people with hidden disabilities
Did you know that one in five people in the UK is living with a disability? And of those people, 80% have a hidden disability. This means that they do not use any kind of aids such as a wheelchair or white cane.
Those living with hidden disabilities may come up against difficult situations while they are out and about. It’s easy for outsiders to jump to conclusions when they see someone with no visible disability park in a disabled spot or take up a priority seat on public transport.
The sunflower lanyard campaign is a very simple concept intended to make life easier for those living with a hidden disability. A lanyard is a loop of fabric worn around the neck. They are often used to hold identification badges.
By wearing a green lanyard adorned with bright yellow sunflowers, you can let those around you know that you have a hidden disability.
Who can wear a sunflower lanyard?
There are no rules around who can wear one. If you believe you have a hidden disability and need additional support, you are welcome to wear one. But it’s important to remember that it isn’t a fast track pass or a way to get anything for free.
It’s simply a way to communicate your hidden disability without needing to explain it to everyone you meet. It also makes it easier for shop and transport staff to identify you, so they know to ask if you need extra support.
How does the sunflower lanyard help?
The sunflower lanyard is a simple visual cue to let those around you know that you may need support. You can also add cards to your lanyard which will help to explain why you need extra support. For example, you could let people know if you have hearing problems or if you are visually impaired.
A lot of visually impaired people are capable of getting around without a guide dog or a cane, but when it comes to shopping in a supermarket, they may need a little more time or extra support finding items. By wearing a sunflower lanyard, they can let retail workers know that they have additional needs.
Where can I get my sunflower lanyard?
Some participating retailers are offering the sunflower lanyard for free. If you want to customise your lanyard, you can find lanyards online at a low cost. This will allow you to purchase a few lanyards so that you are never stuck without one. Keep one in your car, one at the office and one at home so that you always have a way to communicate your hidden disability.
If you ever feel that you need a little extra support while out shopping or on public transport, a sunflower lanyard is a great way to communicate this. As the sunflower lanyard becomes more recognisable, it should make it easier for those with hidden disabilities to navigate things that many of us take for granted every day.
So if you see someone wearing a sunflower lanyard, you now know that they are coping with a hidden disability. Give them a little extra room, a little extra time, and don’t be afraid to ask if they need any help.
