Introduction
The Sunflower is for an individual using it for the first time, the leader of a multinational corporation looking to foster a disability-inclusive culture, and everyone with a non-visible disability or who knows someone with one.
Empowering, respectful and unapologetically unique - that's the Sunflower for you. Embrace and celebrate inclusion by making the invisible visible.
The Sunflower brand
Our vision is a world where no one is left out or overlooked. Where people with non-visible disabilities are recognised, respected, and fully included in all areas of life. Where environments are supportive, accessible, and inclusive.
Our company creates positive change by enabling individuals with non-visible disabilities, conditions, and chronic illnesses to use the Sunflower symbol to indicate they may need additional support, understanding, or time.
In 2016, we launched the Sunflower lanyard at Gatwick Airport and started the journey of developing a brand that articulates the purpose of the Sunflower symbol. As we expand globally, we need to consistently represent that our company is more than just the lanyard and harmonise our global brand identity. Today, it’s a global movement embraced by businesses and communities worldwide, all working to create a more understanding and inclusive society.
Framework
Purpose
To transform everyday interactions for people with invisible disabilities by collaborating globally to create supportive, accessible, and inclusive environments.
Vision
Our vision is a world where no one is left out or overlooked. Where people with non-visible disabilities are recognised, respected, and fully included in all areas of life. Where environments are supportive, accessible, and inclusive.
Positioning
The Sunflower is a powerful symbol of empathy, empowerment, and inclusivity for individuals with non-visible disabilities. We believe everyone deserves to navigate the world with dignity, respect, and support, regardless of whether their disabilities are visible to others.
Values
Empowerment, respect, and inclusion are the guiding values of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
- Empowerment. We empower individuals.
- For those with non-visible disabilities, the Sunflower enables them to navigate their environments confidently, choosing what they share or don't share about their non-visible disabilities, conditions, or chronic illnesses.
- For those in Suflower-friendly businesses, the Sunflower equips them with the knowledge and confidence to talk about disability and respectfully and non-intrusively support their colleagues and customers with non-visible disabilities.
- Respect. We promote respect in every interaction we undertake.
- This respect extends to honouring how individuals with non-visible disabilities choose to navigate the world, acknowledging their unique experiences, and respecting their privacy.
- We advocate for creating accessible and inclusive environments, ensuring that public spaces are welcoming. Respect, for us, means recognising and valuing each person’s choices, experiences, and rights.
- Inclusion. This is the cornerstone of the Sunflower.
- We celebrate diversity and strive to create environments where everyone—regardless of visible or non-visible disabilities—feels welcomed, valued, and supported.
- Inclusion goes beyond mere accessibility; it ensures that everyone can participate in all aspects of life.
What is the Sunflower?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a way to let others know you have a disability, condition or chronic illness that isn't immediately apparent. By wearing it, you can signal that you might need extra help, understanding, or patience when you're out in public, at work, in shops, or using transportation. The Sunflower is a simple yet effective way to communicate your non-visible disability without explaining it whenever you need assistance.
The Sunflower:
- doesn't automatically entitle you to any specific accommodations or services. However, it serves as a subtle signal for others to be aware of your needs and offer assistance if needed. It can also help alleviate any potential misunderstandings or judgments from others who may not understand your condition.
- is not limited to any specific disability or condition; it can represent various non-visible disabilities, conditions and chronic illnesses.
- is a symbol that promotes inclusivity and understanding for those with non-visible disabilities, conditions and chronic illnesses.
- is entirely optional.