Building understanding, removing barriers, and supporting inclusion
Each month, the Sunflower focuses on a different non-visible disability to help build understanding, challenge stigma, and support inclusion.
This month’s focus is Arthritis.
Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that affect the joints. Depending on the type, surrounding tissues and other parts of the body may also be affected. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced movement and other symptoms, including fatigue.
Arthritis affects everyone differently. Symptoms may be persistent or fluctuate, and some people experience periods when their symptoms become more difficult to manage. Pain, fatigue and difficulties with movement or dexterity are not always apparent to other people.
Appropriate healthcare, support and inclusive environments can help people manage their condition, participate in daily life and reduce barriers. Experiences and support requirements vary considerably between individuals.
Register for the webinar
An educational webinar for all Sunflower Members.
This webinar will explore arthritis, some of the non-visible effects people may experience, and the barriers that can arise in everyday life. It will help you better understand how pain, fatigue, movement and dexterity can be affected, how symptoms may fluctuate, and how greater understanding, flexibility and appropriate support can make a difference.
The session will also look at practical ways to offer respectful support without making assumptions, recognising that every person experiences arthritis differently.
Register for the webinar
Learn more about arthitis
Want to raise awareness across your business? We've created an arthritis Sunflower Index entry to explain the condition, some of the barriers people may experience, and ways to offer understanding and support.
Arthritis can affect people in different ways, and someone's experiences and support requirements can change over time.
Sunflower personalised cards
Our personalised Sunflower cards allow individuals to quietly communicate what they want others to know, without needing to say a word.
These help reduce anxiety and allow individuals to move more confidently through public and professional spaces.
Keep an eye on the Sunflower shop for the latest cards.