Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
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What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is a simple yet powerful tool designed to help people with invisible or non-obvious disabilities navigate public spaces with greater ease and understanding. It’s a discreet symbol that signals to others that the person wearing it may need additional support, extra time, or a quiet space. It’s not just for those with disabilities, but also for anyone supporting someone with a hidden disability.
What Are Hidden Disabilities?
Hidden disabilities are those that aren't immediately obvious to others. This can include conditions like autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, dementia, and many more. If you're unsure whether you have a hidden disability, don’t worry about feeling like an imposter! There’s a full list of over 40 hidden disabilities on the official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website here. And if you don't see yours listed, you can even reach out to ask them to add it.
Where Can You Get a Sunflower Lanyard?
Getting your hands on a sunflower lanyard is easy. You can pick one up at various train stations (including Tamworth Railway Station on Marius Street), or if you prefer an online option, you can order one for free from the Transport NSW website. Alternatively, you can also visit the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website to order one, though there’s a small postage fee involved.
You can also purchase a little ID card from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, which explains what the lanyard represents and why it’s important.
How Do You Use It?
The lanyard is a subtle way to signal to others that you have a hidden disability. This can mean you might need some extra help or time, or simply that you might need some space. The good news is that many organisations are now trained to recognise and understand the sunflower symbol, so people will know what it means.
The lanyard is especially useful in places like airports, public transport hubs (like bus and train stations), and big events. It's also useful for everyday outings, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed. Personally, I've found it helpful for moments when I need to give myself some grace and space to manage the sensory overload that comes with crowded places.
My Experience with the Sunflower Lanyard
I've been wearing my sunflower lanyard for a few weeks now, and while I haven't seen much external recognition yet, it has been surprisingly helpful for me personally. Wearing it reminds myself that I have a disability and that it’s okay to take breaks, step away from crowds, and be kind to myself.