The Federal Senate in Brazil has approved bill (PL) 5.486/2020 to recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower as the national symbol for hidden disabilities.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was officially launched in Brazil earlier this year by Flávia Callafange. Flavia discovered the Sunflower on a trip with her autistic daughter, Felicia. The support and understanding they received on that trip had such a positive impact on Flavia that she changed jobs to launch Hidden Disabilities Sunflower across Latin America.
Law - 5486/20 amends the Brazilian Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (13.146/15) to provide for the use of the Sunflower lanyard by people with hidden disabilities.
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, says:
"We are very excited that the Sunflower has been recognised by the Brazilian parliament as the national symbol for people with hidden disabilities. The Sunflower can now be used in the way it was intended, as a discreet sign that the wearer has a condition that is not immediately apparent to indicate they may need extra time, care and understanding from the community around them. We look forward to working with businesses and organisations to deliver this consistent message across Brazil."
The first major partnership that Hidden Disabilities Sunflower established in Brazil was with Aliança Rara - Union of Associations and Support Groups for People with Rare Diseases. The collaboration brings together more than ninety associations across the country, supporting more than five hundred thousand people. Companies that have joined the global Sunflower network in Brazil include Latam, Galeão Airport, Parque da Mônica and Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower originated in the United Kingdom in 2016 and is now recognised globally as the symbol for hidden disabilities. The Sunflower is a simple tool for someone to voluntarily share that they have a hidden disability or condition that is not visible - and that they may need help, understanding or more time in stores, at work, on transport or in public spaces.
Globally, over 1.3 billion people live with a disability. But while some people experience a visible disability, many have a non-visible condition or a combination of visible and hidden conditions. These conditions may be temporary, occupational, situational or permanent. They can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental, among others.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has a network of Sunflower Business Members around the world, from commercial businesses, airports and airlines, financial services, and healthcare organisations to venues, who are able to identify a Sunflower wearer and offer help, support or time to support those choosing to wear it, making the invisible visible.
Media contact:
Annette Cmela
Chief Brand Officer
annette@hdsunflower
+44 7971527971