The sunflower lanyard is an effective and discreet way to communicate that you may require extra assistance. It also serves as a quick way to request assistance from staff at shopping centres, airports and other public places.
The sunflower lanyard is now free-of-charge at most UK airports and many major retailers, restaurants and tourist attractions. Furthermore, more UK rail providers are accepting it as a form of identification.
It’s a sign that you have a hidden disability
If you don’t have a disability that is readily visible to those around you, this is known as having a hidden disability. This could include things like depression, autism or hearing impairments.
A sunflower lanyard is a discreet way to let others know you have an invisible disability. It may indicate that you need extra support, assistance or just some extra time when doing daily activities such as shopping, traveling or attending events.
The sunflower lanyard is available to anyone in the UK with a non-visible disability such as anxiety, chronic pain, autism, dementia, learning disabilities or hearing impairments. It has also been recognized by numerous supermarkets and public venues such as cinemas, airports and railway stations.
Gatwick Airport pioneered the lanyard system in 2016 and it is now widely used at major airports around the world. This device helps passengers with invisible disabilities navigate airports without having to disclose anything about their disability.
It’s a sign that you need help
The sunflower lanyard is an effective way to subtly let people know you have a hidden disability, such as epilepsy, PTSD, diabetes, sleep disorders, pain, asthma, fatigue, dizziness or brain injuries. This can reduce judgmental looks when you’re struggling and make it easier for staff members to approach you with compassion.
It is a globally-recognized icon, featured in over 140 airports, railway stations and shopping centres around the world. Additionally, it can be found at leisure facilities as well as within the NHS.
Gatwick International Airport in 2016 pioneered the sunflower lanyard, which has since spread to numerous UK airports, supermarkets and rail providers. It has even gained international recognition, being adopted in France, Norway and Lithuania.
Created in the United Kingdom, the Sunflower scheme offers support to people with hidden disabilities like epilepsy, PTSD, sleep disorders, pain, asthma, fatigue, anxiety and dizziness due to brain injuries or Crohn’s Disease. Wearing a Sunflower lanyard can offer extra assurance when traveling or visiting facilities around the world.
It’s a sign that you’re exempt from wearing a mask
In 2016, supermarket staff were equipped with sunflower lanyards to help staff recognize those who may need additional support. These were created for individuals with hidden disabilities such as learning difficulties, mental health issues and mobility problems.
The exemption from wearing a mask provided by the sunflower lanyard can be useful for those utilizing them to request extra assistance from shop staff or other services. While these lanyards don’t grant you special privileges, they can help minimize judgemental looks when someone needs extra support in public.
However, some individuals have taken matters into their own hands and challenged disabled individuals who don’t wear face coverings. This can be seen as aggressive, discriminatory and even a hate crime.
It’s a sign that you’re happy to ask for help
The sunflower lanyard is an ingeniously designed item that discreetly signals to staff and other passengers that you are willing to ask for assistance or make special requests. Additionally, it helps prevent people from making judgemental remarks about your disability.
It can be found at most major UK airports, large supermarkets and some local shopping centres and railway stations. Even some of the world’s largest businesses are using it!
The sunflower lanyard is an ingeniously designed product that discreetly signals to staff and other passengers your hidden disability and need for assistance. It’s the ideal way to make you feel welcome and confident in any environment. Wear it when necessary or keep it in your pocket – its effectiveness and size make it both eye-catching and brain friendly!