When you live with an invisible disability, it's hard to get the support you need in the big wide world. The Sunflower Scheme is here to change that.
I'm busy writing a packing list for an exciting overseas holiday. In addition to important things like my hearing aid charger and a foldable walking stick for the airport, I have the 'Sunflower Lanyard' at the top of this list.
Here's why.
My disabilities are hidden
I, like 3.5 million Australians, live with invisible disabilities.
These are in addition to my visible ones. While others can easily spot my mobility impairment - I walk with a wide gait and use a walking stick - prompting others to give me a wide berth, my invisible ones do not get the same consideration,
I've lost 75 per cent of my hearing and also my vision. This makes day-to-day communication a challenge for me, especially as people who don't know me are unaware of this.
I'm anxious about travelling
As such, it's scary for me to leave the safety of my familiar surroundings and go to another country, but I want to. My brother lives in Japan, and our trip there will be a special adventure for our family. I don't want my (justifiable) anxiety to stop me from going or enjoying it.
That said, I've felt queasy at the thought of navigating airport crowds and experiencing sensory overwhelm and confusion. I'm also worried about little things, like not hearing the person checking in my baggage and then struggling to spot my suitcase on the luggage belt at the other end. Not to mention navigating the airport and communicating with airline and customs staff.
Sure, my husband will help me with this, but he will also be looking after our kids. So I have something to help us both out.
Making invisible disabilities visible
I have a Sunflower Lanyard. This cheery accessory will discreetly alert airport staff, airline crew members and even the staff at the airport shops that I have invisible disabilities and may need their understanding and assistance.
The Sunflower for Hidden Disabilities, which includes this lanyard, is a great initiative to support people with disabilities that can't be seen. Not just when travelling but when accessing their community.
Here's what you need to know:
What is the Sunflower for Hidden Disabilities?
Sunflower for Hidden Disabilities is a worldwide scheme that aims to raise awareness of invisible disabilities. It does this by alerting people who have been trained to recognise the symbol that the person displaying it has a disability that can't be seen.
If you also have an invisible disability, the Sunflower (lanyard, wristband, or lapel) is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a hidden disability. By wearing the Sunflower, you're letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, or more time.
Who is the Sunflower for Hidden Disabilities for?
Anyone who has a hidden disability. There is no 'list' of qualifying invisible disabilities.
There is also no requirement that your hidden disability is permanent. Some disabilities are temporary, but the people with them still require support.
By wearing an official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, people with disabilities that aren't immediately apparent can signal to others they may need help, consideration or alternative communication methods.
A few examples of invisible disabilities can include but are not limited to autism, dementia, hearing impairment, epilepsy, vision loss, intellectual disability, kidney failure, cardiac conditions and many, many more.
Where can the Sunflower for Hidden Disabilities be used?
The global Sunflower network has grown since its launch in 2016 at London's Gatwick Airport.
In Australia, this includes retail malls, public transport services, educational institutions (such as universities and schools), hospitals, government organisations, theme parks, theatres, and anywhere else that supports the initiative.
Where can I get a Sunflower Lanyard?
Sunflower Lanyards are free of charge to customers from businesses and organisations that are members of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (e.g., airports, train stations, and shopping centres).
You can also buy these online from the official Sunflower Hidden Disabilities shop.
Understanding is everything
While the Sunflower Lanyard isn't about entitlement—for example, it doesn't give me an exclusive right to be fast-tracked through security or customs—it is about understanding, inclusion, and self-advocacy. I am voluntarily wearing it, so I'll be more supported.
Just knowing I have something to make my invisible disabilities visible to those who can help out when travelling is making me feel a heap lighter. My anxiety is now shifting to excitement as I pack the rest of my belongings.
Bring on the adventure!
Post-trip edit
I am now back from my trip to Japan, and I can report that the Sunflower was a powerful symbol, especially at the airport.
Staff at every level assisted me in different ways. For instance, I was asked at check-in if I needed a wheelchair for departure and arrivals, which I did accept at our destination as there was a fair bit of walking. A crew member kindly pushed my wheelchair. My family was also given "no questions asked" priority boarding and ushered through special assistance lanes at both security and customs.
I highly recommend making your invisible disability (or disabilities) visible with the sunflower when travelling. It's not easy to do such things, but a little understanding and awareness go a long way in making it possible.
Find out how you can book a support worker on Mable to help with domestic travel.
