Our history

A simple idea takes root

• The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower launches at Gatwick Airport. The Airport Passenger Advisory Group and Gatwick team, including Ruth Rabet, worked with charities to explore whether a lanyard could support people with non-apparent disabilities. Contributors included Tim Wilkins (Alzheimer’s Society), Daniel Williams (Visualise), Daniel Cadey (National Autistic Society), Maria Cook (Autism Support Crawley) and Paul White, who provided additional insight during the early development.

   

  

  

  

   A green sunflower lanyard was chosen to represent confidence, growth, and positivity

• A discreet symbol offering support without needing to explain

Growing awareness

• Early organizations begin adopting the Sunflower
• Awareness of non-apparent disabilities spreads

In the air

The In the Air campaign encourages airports and airlines around the world to adopt the Sunflower

Crossing borders

• Bayley House becomes the first international franchise partner
• The Sunflower expands across Australia and New Zealand

Building global foundations

• Expansion into the United States
• The Sunflower Conversations podcast launches
• Face covering exemption cards introduced with Network Rail

Growing across Europe

• National offices open in the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark
• National Highways joins the Sunflower

Strengthening the network

• Ireland launches a national Sunflower office
• Topland becomes the partner for the UAE and GCC region
• The Make It Yours personalized Sunflower cards launch

Recognition on the world stage

• Brazil becomes the regional hub for Latin America
• The Sunflower is recognized in Brazilian law
• Hong Kong appoints a Sunflower partner
• Sunflower lanyards manufactured in the GCC by People of Determination
• Christ the Redeemer illuminated in Sunflower colours
• A world record set for the longest Sunflower lanyard
• The UK Scouts launch the Sunflower badge

Expanding the global community

• New partners launch in Poland, Mauritius and Canada
• Sweden strengthens its presence with a national website
• The Pride Sunflower lanyard launches across Europe

Momentum builds

• Luxembourg joins the network
• Norway strengthens the Nordic presence
• Uruguay formally recognizes the Sunflower in law
• The Mastercard #AcceptanceMatters campaign launches in Singapore
• The Sunflower Extra digital card launches

A worldwide network

Ten years after the first conversation sparked the idea, the Sunflower has grown into a global community. The next chapter begins now.