At airports, supermarkets, venues and even music festivals, you may have noticed people wearing a green lanyard with bright yellow sunflowers. This is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower – a symbol being adopted across the world to help make public spaces more inclusive and supportive.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a voluntary way for people to discreetly communicate they have a condition that’s not visible to others.
Wearing a sunflower lanyard can help people with hidden disabilities have a safer, more confident experience when travelling, working or participating in the community.
Making invisible disabilities visible.
A hidden or invisible disability is one that isn’t obvious to others. This can include autism, anxiety, dementia, hearing or vision loss, epilepsy, chronic pain and sensory processing difficulties.
The sunflower lanyard subtly tells people: “Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there.”
The sunflower design is most often worn as a lanyard (around the neck) but can also appear on a pin or card. Wearing this is a signal that a person may need a little extra time, patience, space or support. It does not identify a person’s specific disability.
Businesses and venues that promote the sunflower often have trained staff on hand to assist visitors who may need help or adjustments.
Who can wear the sunflower lanyard?
- Anyone with a hidden disability who may need additional support
- There are no specific requirements or qualifying conditions
- The hidden disability may be temporary or permanent
- Wearing it is entirely voluntary.
You can choose to wear a sunflower lanyard sometimes or all the time, whatever feels right to you.
The sunflower lanyard in action.
The sunflower lanyard was first introduced at London’s Gatwick Airport in 2016 and is now recognised in more than 40 countries.
Many venues, businesses and transport networks now recognise the symbol including:
- Airports: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, Dubai, Changi (Singapore), Auckland (New Zealand), Gatwick (London)
- Airlines: Qantas, Air New Zealand, British Airways, Air Canada, Finnair and Turkish Airlines
- Venues: Sydney International Convention Centre, Sydney Olympic Park, Taronga Zoo, Suncorp Stadium, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Art Gallery (QAGOMA), Museums Victoria, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Dreamworld
- Retail and banking: Westfield centres, David Jones, Optus, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac
- Transport networks: VLine, Metro Trains and Yarra Trams (Victoria), Newcastle Transport and Metro Trains Sydney (NSW)
- Festivals and events: Woodford Folk Festival, Good Things Festival, Spilt Milk.
Where to get a sunflower lanyard.
Sunflower lanyards and accessories can be purchased from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website which also features a guide to sunflower-friendly locations.
As a low-cost cost everyday item, sunflower lanyards are generally purchased out of pocket rather than with NDIS funding. Some participating venues also provide them free of charge.
What to do if you see someone wearing a sunflower lanyard.
If you spot someone wearing a sunflower lanyard, the guidance is simple: be patient, offer help if it seems appropriate and avoid asking personal questions about their disability.
Often the most helpful thing to say is: “How can I help?”
A small symbol with a big impact.
From airports to supermarkets to festivals, the sunflower is becoming a familiar sight in Australia. It is a simple yet powerful way of making hidden disabilities visible and encouraging understanding, inclusion and support in everyday spaces.
Ready to get started?
If you’re ready to step out more confidently, a support worker can also be helpful. We’ve put together some practical advice in our article 8 tips for choosing a support worker.
Call us on 1300 05 78 78, to have your questions answered, book your free NDIS pre-planning session or sign up to Leap in! plan management today.
