The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

Dear Readers,

Many of you will know that I struggle with anxiety during holidays. To overcome this, we use various strategies to make travelling and staying away from home as easy as possible. One thing that helps me is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard. Wearing the lanyard is a simple way for people to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent, and that they may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport and in public places.

The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme was originally introduced by Gatwick Airport in 2016, but it is now used worldwide to create a “more understanding, inclusive society,” according to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website. The symbol is known for its “discreet sign that is clearly visible from a distance as well as being distinctive, joyful, and dynamic.”

Since the scheme was first introduced, 21% of wearers have started using them in airports, like I have. But with the launch of the Sunflower Network Scheme it has also been introduced in shops and other public places. Businesses who join the scheme train their employees to notice the sunflower lanyard and offer additional help. And it has made a big impact. Over 90% of Sunflower users have stated that they are more likely to visit a shop that has joined the scheme, with over 70% recommending those places to others.

As a Sunflower user myself, the scheme has come in handy several times and has significantly reduced my anxiety in busy, public places. When travelling through airports, separate queuing lines are often offered to sunflower users, which are quicker and less busy than the other queues for security. We have also come across scenarios where the airport doesn’t have a separate security line, but staff have noticed that I am wearing my lanyard and have opened the barriers and let us go past the long queues, meaning that I feel a lot calmer during my travels.

While I only use my lanyard in airports, I have also loved seeing what other places are doing to accommodate people like me as part of the scheme. I recently went to an open day at the University of Reading, where the sunflower logo was used to promote their quiet registration area. We talked to one of the neurodivergent students who had launched the scheme. She was an individual who struggled with noise in crowded areas and often wished that she had a quiet place to go to. We were also told that if I felt overwhelmed at any point during the day, I could come and sit quietly in their area to process my thoughts. The team there also provided information about the university’s support networks and accommodation for students with additional needs. Students can move into their university rooms a day early and join a society with other neurodivergent individuals.

Many other businesses have now started to get involved. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Website now provides resources and accessories, such as posters for schools and workplaces, lanyards and pin badges for neurodivergent individuals, training for staff and advice on access arrangements.

Before I go, I would love to know other places where the sunflower scheme is in place. What kind of help would you find useful in public spaces?

I hope you enjoyed this post, and I can’t wait to see you back soon!