Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: For People Living With Hidden Disabilities

The Sunflower Lanyard is a green lanyard patterned with bright yellow sunflowers. It’s a simple but powerful way for people with non-apparent disabilities to communicate a need for patience, understanding, or extra support in public spaces.

Wearing the lanyard means, “I might need a little help, even though you can’t see why.”

Some people wear it for themselves. Others wear it as a caregiver or parent supporting someone with a non-apparent disability. It’s voluntary and free to wear.

The Sunflower Lanyard started in 2016 at Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom. Staff wanted an easy, respectful way to recognize travelers who might need assistance that isn’t always obvious. The idea took off and is now used globally.

Today, it’s recognized around the world. You’ll find it in airports, shopping centres, transit systems, and some schools and businesses. In Canada, many major airports now offer Sunflower Lanyards for free at their information desks. These include Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, Calgary, Edmonton, Victoria and Montréal-Trudeau.

Staff in these locations are trained to recognize the lanyard and to offer help without requiring the person to explain their disability.

The lanyard is not a pass or a shortcut. It’s a quiet sign that says, “Please be kind. Please give me a bit of space or time.”

It reminds us that not all disabilities are visible and that kindness, patience, and awareness can change someone’s whole day.

Have you seen the sunflower lanyard before?

Would you wear one?

Learn more about the Sunflower Lanyard at http://www.hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/ca

Diverse Abilities supports learning around both apparent and non-apparent disabilities, promoting inclusion and accessibility for all. Check out our programs for classrooms, retirement communities and businesses.

We are committed to creating safe, inclusive environments for individuals with hidden disabilities.