What is the significance of a Sunflower in the disabled community?

If you’ve ever seen someone wearing a Sunflower Lanyard and thought to yourself, what does that mean? You’re not alone. So lets talk about it…

The Sunflower is a rapidly growing initiative spanning dozens of countries; including Australia~ aiming to help the world identify and assist people living with hidden or invisible disabilities.

This initiative began in England’s Gatwick Airport in 2016. The idea was developed as a way for people to discretely flag their hidden disability and for the airport to train staff to recognise it so they could offer the wearer support.

In developing these bright, happy non-specific icon lanyards, they realised it was a really powerful tool for inclusion that could be shared worldwide, and since then- the idea has gained traction.

The list of affiliated organisations that utilise the Sunflower as a means of identifying invisible illness’s in the community is rapidly growing, and as such- is constantly being updated. See the link below to find out which organisations are currently utilising the Sunflower Lanyards in Australia. - http://hdsunflower.com/au/find-the-sunflower/

Invisible Illnesses can be physical, visual, neurological, cognitive, respiratory, pain or fatigue based- & their severity can fluctuate daily.

People with disabilities can have different needs at different times so there isn’t necessarily one single way to help everyone who wears a sunflower.

Aside from recognising the sunflower icon and offering help; there are 5 main things you can do for the wearers of a sunflower in the community.

1. Be Kind.
2. Listen Closely.
3. Have Patience.
4. Don’t judge.
5. Show Respect.

The above are basic common decency requirements, but we like to think that the sunflower helps to remind people to build a more inclusive society.

P: 0493 479 420
E: admin@isyw.com.au