Disability discrimination is still very much alive – and why the sunflower lanyard scheme matters
I wish I could tell you that disability discrimination was a thing of the past. That in 2025, people understood, respected, and supported those of us living with visible and invisible disabilities.
But I can’t.
Because even now, I still experience subtle—and sometimes not-so-subtle—moments of judgment, misunderstanding, or outright discrimination. And I know I’m not alone.
One tool that’s helped me navigate the world is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard. But here’s the thing: even when I’m wearing it, most people still don’t know what it means.
What is the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is a global initiative designed to discreetly indicate that the wearer has a hidden disability—something you can’t necessarily see at a glance, but which may mean they need extra support, patience, or understanding.
This could include:
Neurodivergence (ADHD, autism)
Chronic illnesses (like MS, diabetes, or chronic pain)
Sensory processing challenges
Hearing or vision impairments
Mental health conditions
The lanyard is simple—green with a pattern of bright yellow sunflowers. It’s not a badge of pity. It’s not asking for special treatment. It’s a quiet signal that says: “Please be patient. I may need extra help, time, or understanding.”
How It Works In Practice
The idea is that businesses, venues, and transport providers train their staff to recognise the sunflower and respond appropriately. That could mean:
Offering extra time to get through a checkout or boarding process
Speaking clearly and calmly
Providing help with directions or physical assistance
Being patient if someone struggles to follow instructions
In the UK, parts of the US, and some airports around the world, the scheme is well recognised. But here in Australia? Awareness is patchy at best.
Why Visibility Matters
The problem isn’t the lanyard—it’s the lack of education.
I’ve worn my sunflower in shopping centres, airports, and public events, only to be met with confused looks or (worse) assumptions that I’m wearing it as a fashion accessory.
The truth is, the Sunflower Lanyard only works when people know what it means. That requires visibility, education, and commitment from businesses and communities to normalise it.
Because when it’s recognised, it can be life-changing. It can turn a stressful travel day into a manageable one. It can make a crowded checkout feel safe. It can replace judgement with understanding.
What we can do
If you’re a business owner, employer, or event organiser, here’s how you can make a difference:
Learn what the sunflower means and share that knowledge with your staff.
Display signage so customers know your venue recognises the scheme.
Normalise the conversation about hidden disabilities—because they’re more common than you think.
And if you’re living with a hidden disability, know this: wearing your sunflower is an act of advocacy. Even when it feels like no one notices, you’re helping raise awareness just by being visible.
The Bottom Line
Disability discrimination—both conscious and unconscious—still happens every day. The Sunflower Lanyard is one small way to bridge the gap between misunderstanding and compassion.
But for it to work, we need awareness. We need visibility. And we need people—whether they have a hidden disability or not—to start talking about it.
Because the more people who understand the sunflower, the more inclusive and accessible our communities become.
🌻 Have you had experiences with the Sunflower Lanyard—good or bad? I’d love to hear your stories. The more we share, the more we educate, and the more visible we make the scheme.
Chrissy xx