We explain everything you need to know about sunflower lanyards, who can use them, and how they can help

Globally, one in six of us is disabled; that’s an estimated 1.3 billion people. In the UK, nearly a quarter of us (24%) are disabled, and it’s estimated that between 70-80% of those disabilities are invisible. An overwhelming three out of four disabled people (72%) revealed that they have experienced negative attitudes or behaviour while at work, on public transport, when shopping, or on social media. It’s no wonder that these negative experiences have led to people changing their activities and habits, with nearly one in four (23%) avoiding public transport after experiencing negative attitudes and behaviours from others. 

When surveyed by Scope, disabled people reported experiencing others making judgements about their disability or abilities (33%), feeling rushed or that others were impatient (29%), having their condition or needs for adjustment dismissed (27%), or being patronised (24%). A quarter (25%) were accused of being lazy or faking, while 23% were forgotten, ignored or excluded. 

Accessing support and letting others know that you may need help shouldn’t be an exhausting experience. What if there was a way to let others know that you need a little extra help, time, and patience without needing to disclose your disability? That’s the goal of using sunflower lanyards.

What are hidden disability sunflower lanyards?

In use since 2016 when they were first used by Gatwick airport in England, sunflower lanyards have become more and more recognised in the years since. Sunflowers are used globally as a symbol for non-visible or ‘hidden’ disabilities. Now used across all major UK airports, sunflower lanyards have become much more widely used across the country and internationally, too, with UK rail providers joining the scheme as early as 2018, major supermarkets including M&S, Sainsbury's and Tesco have trialing and subsequently joining the scheme since 2019, along with NHS trusts, cinemas, and other major UK attractions in the years since. 

Now, over two million lanyards have been distributed globally, with more and more international airports adopting the scheme from Sydney to Seattle, Copenhagen to Amsterdam, and Istanbul to Dubai. Banks, football clubs and universities have gotten behind the scheme.

While there is still room for more awareness and wider rollout of sunflower lanyards internationally, they have become a more easily recognisable symbol to help those with disabilities, conditions, and chronic illnesses that aren’t visible to others to access help and support. 

But how do sunflower lanyards help us to access help when we need it, who can use them, and where can you get them?

Who uses hidden disability sunflower lanyards?

Many people chose to use sunflower lanyards for any number of different non-visible disabilities, including permanent, temporary, and situational ones. These can include neurological, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental, as well as physical, visual, sensory and processing difficulties. This can include people with chronic illnesses and conditions such as asthma or diabetes, those experiencing ill mental health including anxiety disorders, as well as neurodivergent individuals such as autistic people, those with ADHD, tourettes, dyslexia, or dyspraxia.

What are sunflower lanyards used for?

The hidden disabilities sunflower is used to support those with non-visible disabilities. Wearing a sunflower lanyard is a way of sharing that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent to others. This way, others can know that you might need a helping hand or a little more time while you travel, shop, use public transport, or are in public spaces. There’s no guarantee that staff or other people will recognise the scheme, but as more and more people become aware, more and more help is becoming available if and when you need it. 

You don’t have to wear a lanyard to access help and support but, for some people, it can be an easy, low-pressure way of letting others know without having to be the one to speak up or seek out help. Wearing a lanyard doesn’t guarantee or entitle you to anything; it indicates that you have a hidden disability and may need some assistance.

People choose to wear hidden disability sunflower lanyards in any number of different places, including in shops, on public transport, at work, in public spaces, and when travelling abroad. Wearing a hidden disabilities sunflower helps others know that you may need additional help, and means that they may be more likely to approach to offer assistance to you.

According to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, 32% of those using sunflower lanyards use them while shopping, while 21% use them when travelling abroad. You can find places near you that support and recognise sunflower lanyards using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website. 

What makes you eligible for a sunflower lanyard?

There isn’t a list of invisible disabilities or conditions that you need to have in order to wear a sunflower lanyard - and wearing a sunflower lanyard doesn’t mean that you have to explain or disclose what your disability is. If you feel like you would benefit from using a sunflower lanyard, you can use one.

Do airports recognise sunflower lanyards?

Sunflower lanyards originated at Gatwick airport in London. Now, over 300 airports in 30 countries and 20 airlines worldwide recognise sunflower lanyards. Airports and airlines that recognise the hidden disabilities sunflower aim to help provide support that may be needed across every part of your journey, from when you arrive at the airport to when you board your flight, while you fly and when you arrive at your destination. 

Can you get a sunflower lanyard for free?

If you feel like you may benefit from using a hidden disability sunflower lanyard, you can get one for free from many major UK airports, from some shops that take part in the scheme such as Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Argos, as well as through some hospitals.

Businesses that take part in the hidden disability sunflower scheme may have lanyards available. If you are unable to collect one in person, the official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website has them available to order from their online store. No other stores or businesses should charge for these, as they are intended to be used and provided free of charge for those who would benefit from using them.

Is the sunflower lanyard worth it?

Whether or not using a sunflower lanyard is worth it is something only you can decide. Different people have different experiences when using sunflower lanyards and, depending on your needs and comfort levels, you may or may not want to use one. While wearing a sunflower lanyard doesn’t guarantee or grant you anything, it can be a helpful indicator in day-to-day life and travel.

As someone with a hidden disability, I have personally found sunflower lanyards to be extremely helpful when travelling. I’ve encountered some airport staff who are unfamiliar with sunflower lanyards, but I’ve also found many people do recognise it and offer help without hesitation – and without making me feel like I am being an inconvenience. I’ve found that, for the most part, people are more patient and helpful. The onus isn't on me to seek out help when I'm already feeling tense or close to overwhelmed, as often, others notice my lanyard and ask if I need anything, or act to make things easier for me without asking. I find airports to be almost unbearable when travelling, yet I've lost count of how many kind security people have taken one look at my lanyard and directed me to a shorter queue, or who have reassured me there's no need to rush and to take my time.

Don’t get me wrong – I have still experienced some people being patronising or impatient; wearing a lanyard isn’t a magic fix-it. But, when wearing a sunflower lanyard while travelling, I feel less stressed and overwhelmed going through the same experience compared to the times when I forget. 

If you find yourself frustrated with the need to ask for help, would appreciate others being more patient, or would like a way to indicate to others without having to be the one to start the conversation, trying a sunflower lanyard could be the answer.