Sunflower Scheme - Hidden Disabilities

It is a discreet way to make the invisible visible. Not all disabilities are visible – some are not immediately obvious. 80% of disabilities are invisible, meaning you wouldn’t know about them unless you were told. 

People with a hidden disability often face daily barriers from a lack of understanding, negative attitudes or those who are simply unaware. Some choose to wear the Sunflower lanyard to discreetly indicate to those around them, including staff, colleagues, and health professionals, that they may need additional support, help or just a little more time.

Businesses use the Sunflower for their colleagues to support their diversity and inclusion objectives. The Sunflower is often a catalyst that can transform the culture of disability disclosure, start the conversation about barriers that people with a disability face and challenge mind-sets and perceptions towards disability within the workplace. 

Becoming a member of the Sunflower scheme would add St George’s, University of London to a fast-growing list of institutions, who are demonstrating a recognition of the need to be an accessible and inclusive environment, for both employees & students alike.  

All staff will be able to undertake Sunflower training so colleagues can identify the Sunflower, gain an understanding of what a hidden disability is, and become confident to approach and support people who are wearing a Sunflower lanyard.