The Sunflower lanyard
The Sunflower is here every day of the year to support People Of Determination in their communities by raising awareness, training businesses and organisations and sharing stories to help create a more inclusive, understanding society for people with non-visible disabilities.
Since its launch in 2016, the Sunflower has become a globally-recognised symbol for hidden disabilities and helps organisations expand their equality, diversity and inclusion objectives to include non-visible disabilities for both colleagues and customers. Organisations from every sector have been joining the global Sunflower network - ranging from retail, travel and tourism, universities, schools and colleges, healthcare, central and local government agencies to premiership football teams, theatres and financial institutions.
Above all, it is used anywhere where people meet. Find out where it is known near you using our Sunflower map
How did it all start?
In 2016, the Sunflower lanyard was designed and launched when London Gatwick Airport asked "How can we identify that one of our passengers may have a non-obvious disability?". We created a simple sunflower design on a green background for a lanyard - a subtle but visible sign to enable airport staff to identify that the wearer (or someone with them) may require some extra help, time, or assistance when moving through the airport.
The success of the Sunflower and the positive response it has received has increased awareness of the challenges adults and children with non-visible disabilities can face. Sunflower wearers now benefit more widely from help being offered to make their daily living a little easier.
Why did we choose a sunflower?
Without a visual cue, it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge, or understand the daily challenges faced by people living with an invisible disability.
We wanted a discreet sign which was still clearly visible from a distance as well as being distinctive, joyful, and dynamic. We chose a sunflower as it suggests happiness, positivity, strength as well as growth and confidence. It is a universally known flower.