Dublin Business School (DBS) is proud to announce that it is the first educational provider in Ireland to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
- DBS has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to become the first educational institution in Ireland to formally recognise the Sunflower
- Demonstrating support to those with non-visible disabilities is part of the DBS’s ambition to make everyone feel comfortable and accepted
- The Sunflower is recognised in many countries around the world
DBS has become the first Irish Educational Institution to officially recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
At the launch, Tim Bicknell, President, DBS, said:
“We are proud of DBS and the diverse and inclusive culture it has built. 1 in 5 people in Ireland have a disability and 80% of these are non-visible. So, in line with the DBS value to empower and support, we have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative - we want everyone to feel comfortable and accepted here. We would like all of DBS staff across faculty and offices to be equipped to recognise a Sunflower wearer and respond accordingly, to help create a more inclusive, understanding DBS.”
Students at DBS can choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard, wristband or pin to indicate a non-visible disability. The Sunflower is a discreet way of saying 'I might need extra help, understanding, or just more time'.
DBS Faculty and Staff have been trained to understand what an invisible disability is and how best to approach and support Students wearing the Sunflower. All new staff will be trained during induction, and the DBS Disability and Inclusion Officer, Hamza Razaq, along with the Well-being Officer of the DBS Students Union, will actively promote and support the initiative amongst the Student population.
Increasing the awareness and acceptance of non-visible disabilities will provide a more inclusive learning environment for students.
DBS has almost 9,000 students, from over 80 countries, studying at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels in 2024.
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said:
“We are delighted that Dublin Business School has become a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, committing to fostering a welcoming and disability-inclusive environment for students and staff. DBS attracts students from around the world, and the beauty of the Sunflower removes the language barrier. It is a non-verbal indicator that the wearer has a non-visible disability, signalling that they may need an offer of support, empathy, understanding and kindness.”
Learn more about DBS by visiting their website: DBS website