Globally, 1 in 6 of us live with a disability. Many of these disabilities, such as chronic pain, autism and ADHD, are not always disclosed or obvious.
An important tool for people with hidden disabilities to get support in public situations is the Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard. In launching its own Hidden Disability Sunflower initiative, UTS takes an important step towards a more inclusive and compassionate campus that’s welcoming to all staff and students.
Making the invisible visible on campus
By joining the Hidden Disability Sunflower Initiative, we become part of a global movement that recognizes and supports people living with hidden disabilities, which means those that might not be immediately visible. The sunflower is a powerful reminder that a disability is not always seen, and that awareness and empathy are essential in every interaction. Kylie Readman
A hybrid event at the RES Hub raised awareness of this initiative. It was also an opportunity to learn from UTS staff and students with lived experience. Their stories helped the attendees to reflect on how we as individuals and a community can foster a culture of inclusion, respect and dignity.
Its impact is quiet but powerful. It’s given people the confidence to ask for help, and it gives others a simple human way to respond with empathy. To me, it represents a shift away from having to constantly explain yourself and towards a world that meets you where you are. Frederikke Thorup, Business Student
The seeds of the sunflower
Sunflowers are a visual cue that suggests happiness, positivity, strength, growth and confidence. They have increasingly become universally recognised as the symbol for non-visible disabilities.
Stemming from a need for increased awareness and support in busy airports, the sunflower-adorned lanyard is designed to be visible from a distance, but discreet enough for comfortable use. It’s used on a voluntary basis for everything from queuing in hectic travel hubs to trying to find a classroom on a confusing campus. It’s a subtle means of highlighting that the person wearing it (or someone with them) has a hidden disability and may need additional help or understanding.
Being an ally
In contrast to the wearer’s green lanyard, there are also lanyards with white backgrounds. These ‘Sunflower supporter’ lanyards show you have awareness of the initiative and are visible as an ally to assist.
If you see someone wearing a hidden disability sunflower with a green backdrop, simply ask if they need help. Here are some considerations when approaching them:
- Avoid questioning them about their specific disability and don’t make assumptions – they do not have to disclose what it is
- Don’t ignore them if they do not approach you first – they may have a visual or hearing impairment or don’t have the confidence to approach you
- Be kind – smile and make eye contact; be sensitive to their feelings and listen closely to what they’re asking for
- If you are not clear on what they need, ask them again and be patient
- Describe what you are doing to help them – they may be visually impaired
If someone is wearing the hidden disability sunflower, they want to be seen and asked if they need help. There is no single right or wrong way to deal with each situation, but there’s always a way to show kindness and respect.
Sunflower support
You can keep informed on how the Sunflower is being implemented at our university via the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative At UTS page. You can qualify for a Sunflower Support lanyard by completing training on Neo (or navigate through Neo > Online Learning Management > Diversity > “Sunflower – hidden disabilities”). Lanyards and pins are available from Students Services (Student Centre, Building 2, Level 7).
Look out for the sunflowers – they will have an increased presence on campus and the website will continue to be updated with ways you can support this initiative. Grow you good thing!