Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

The University of Cumbria joins with Hidden Disability Sunflower

The University of Cumbria has joined with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to provide Sunflower lanyards to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding. The University’s Disability & Neurodivergent Network (DANN) proposed the idea, which was approved by the EDIW Committee, noting that the Sunflower lanyard is in-keeping with our wider Equality, Diversity & Inclusion agenda and continues to drive aspects of disability equality forward at the university, building on the success of being awarded Disability Confident Leader status in October 2022. Sunflower Scheme,

It is a simple tool for you to share that you have a hidden disability voluntarily. Simply by wearing the Sunflower, you’re just letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, or just more time.

From July 2024 you can acquire a free Sunflower lanyard from the university library on any of our campuses.

You do not and will not be asked to disclose your personal circumstances or provide any proof of hidden disability. This is a conscious decision, as it is appreciated that some circumstances can result in the additional challenges of receiving a timely and formal diagnosis, as well as wanting to avoid any level of disability policing or people having to share personal details.

Why is this important?

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower supports people with a non-visible disability, making the invisible, visible and helps them attain the understanding, patience and assistance needed when going about their daily lives.

Globally 1 in 6 of us live with a disability and of those, it is estimated that up to 80% are living with a non-visible disability. That is over 1 billion people.

What disability is not visible?

While some of us experience a disability that is visible, many of us have a non-visible disability that is not immediately apparent to others. These can be temporary, situational or permanent. They can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and including sensory and processing difficulties. They also include respiratory, rare diseases and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes.

As diverse as these conditions are, so are your individual access needs and the barriers you face in your daily life. So you can opt to wear the Sunflower to discreetly be seen in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.

Source: What is a hidden disability? (hdsunflower.com)