Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2019/11/09 - Updated: 2025/08/23
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Disability Awareness - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information introduces the Sunflower Lanyard Program, an initiative designed to discreetly signal that a person has a hidden disability and may require additional time, assistance, or understanding in public spaces. It explains how the sunflower lanyard serves as a discreet, voluntary signal that the wearer may have a non-visible disability and could benefit from additional patience, support, or understanding in public spaces, workplaces, and during travel. The article highlights the program's widespread adoption across sectors such as transportation, retail, healthcare, and education, and emphasizes its role in fostering inclusivity and reducing the stigma often faced by those whose disabilities are not immediately apparent - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
The Sunflower Lanyard Program for Hidden Disability Awareness, supported by charities, has been introduced where a sunflower lanyard, worn around the neck, lets others know that you have hidden disabilities. The Sunflower Lanyard idea is a different approach from the more commonly known awareness ribbons and bracelets as individuals with hidden disabilities can wear the lanyards as a way of discreetly letting others know they might need extra assistance in certain situations.
Main Content
What is an Invisible or Hidden Disability?
Invisible Disability, or hidden disability, is a broad umbrella term that captures a whole spectrum of hidden disabilities and challenges that are primarily neurological. Invisible disabilities, or hidden disabilities, are defined as disabilities that are not immediately apparent to others.
- 96% of Americans with chronic medical conditions live with the invisible condition.
- About 10% of Americans have a medical condition that could be considered an invisible disability.
These people may seldom use a cane - or any assistive device - and it is often impossible to tell they have a medical condition. Although the disability creates a challenge for the person who has it, the reality of the disability can be difficult for others to recognize or acknowledge. Others may not understand the cause of the problem if they cannot see evidence of it.
Also See: Hidden Disability Symbol: Canada Movement.
Invisible Disability Examples Can Include
- People with visual or auditory disabilities who do not wear glasses or visible hearing aids may not appear disabled. Some people who have vision loss may wear contacts.
- A sitting disability is another category of invisible impairments. Sitting problems are often caused by chronic back pain. Those with joint problems or chronic pain may not use mobility aids on some days.
Disabled World provides a comprehensive list of invisible disabilities.
Gatwick airport is said to have first introduced the sunflower lanyard program in 2016. Today, the worldwide fast-growing sunflower lanyard initiative is helping adults and children with hidden disabilities experience more support in airports and supermarkets by acting as a discreet sign for staff that the wearer may require additional support or help from the lanyard. The lanyards, which are bright green and decorated with a sunflower design, are free of charge and help identify people with additional needs and their families to navigate their way through busy airports without having to ask for assistance specifically. The scheme is a simple way to enable staff at airports to identify those who may need extra support.
Entirely Voluntary
The Sunflower lanyard program is entirely voluntary for people with hidden disabilities and their families. Organizers of the sunflower lanyard program state that there is no qualifying disability needed to qualify a person for the program. Instead, the sunflower lanyard program is for everyone who considers themselves to have a hidden disability. Once you obtain one, you do not have to provide any proof of a disability; it is yours to keep forever and use for future travels, shopping trips, and outings where ever the program is recognized. However, while an increasing number of venues are starting to offer these free lanyards, not everyone is familiar yet with the idea and meaning behind the cause.
Places that recognize the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard include:
- Airports
- Railways
- Bus Terminals
- Supermarkets
- Tourist Attractions
The sunflower is more than a lanyard—it’s a symbol of inclusion, understanding, and support for people whose disabilities may not be visible.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The Sunflower Lanyard Program stands out as a simple yet powerful tool for bridging the gap between visible and invisible needs in society. By encouraging recognition and understanding of non-visible disabilities, the initiative not only improves daily experiences for many but also challenges assumptions about what disability looks like. Its growing international presence signals a positive shift toward more compassionate, inclusive communities where everyone's needs are acknowledged and respected. The significance of the Sunflower Lanyard Program lies not only in its simplicity but in its potential to shift public attitudes toward hidden disabilities. As awareness spreads, so too does the opportunity to foster more considerate environments where people are recognized for their needs without having to constantly explain themselves. Its quiet visibility is its strength - an understated solution for a frequently overlooked challenge - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.