Equity Champion students Kiranjit Khera, Becky Kemp Arnold & Natasha Wollen interviewed Nathalie Fayers, Chair of Staff Disability Network about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme.
What is the Sunflower Scheme?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower can be worn by any person with a disability, on a lanyard or badge as a way of voluntarily sharing that they may need additional time and consideration. The sunflower on a green background has become recognised in the UK, and beyond, being used in 30 countries and 215 airports around the world. 1 in 6 people live with a disability, and it is estimated that 80% of these are not visible. Physical and mental health disorders which have a significant impact on a person's life can be considered a disability, and the scheme allows someone to self-identify.
What is the hidden disability sunflower? - Youtube
Journey to the Initiation of the Sunflower Scheme at SGUL
The Sunflower Scheme became nationally recognised during the pandemic when it was used to create an understanding between the clinically vulnerable and those around them. It was during this time when Nathalie Fayers, who has 2 hidden disabilities herself, looked into how the scheme could offer her support and how it led to the initiation of the Sunflower Scheme at SGUL.
Whilst getting her Covid-19 vaccination, she decided to trial wearing the Sunflower lanyard to see if it made a difference. When arriving at the vaccination site, she noticed posters acknowledging the Sunflower Scheme and staff wearing badges as well as the lanyards themselves. The recognition of the Sunflower scheme allowed her to feel reassured, safe and supported by the staff there. As a consequence, she felt comfortable wearing her lanyard and was then approached by a staff member who simply said ‘I noticed you are wearing a sunflower lanyard, is there anything I can do to help you?’. Actions as simple as these can take away the pressure on an individual to have to reach out and make that first daunting step easier for them. This is the ideal environment Nathalie seeks to create within the St George’s University community for those with hidden disabilities.
Aims and Motivations behind the Sunflower Scheme
Kiranjit, a final year student at St George’s, has been wearing the Sunflower Lanyard before the announcement that St George’s was officially becoming part of the scheme. This project demonstrates St George’s is taking steps towards equality for those with hidden disabilities. I’ve experienced the challenges an academic life can bring whilst trying to accommodate for a disability. It can make it even more difficult to manage when those surrounding you are unaware of struggles you face. Nathalie Fayers, as chair of the Staff Disability Network since 2019, has worked very hard to bring the scheme to the university in the hope that it will offer those with hidden disabilities some support with the struggles they may face.
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ for the support a disabled person may require, but the sunflower sparks an opportunity for all of us to discuss, listen and be patient. Wearing the sunflower is flexible and puts the wearer in control. Nathalie explained that someone may choose to wear it on a day they need a little more support and choose not to wear it other days. Importantly, it can be an empowering choice for someone choosing to wear the sunflower and can make them feel more comfortable asking for assistance.
Future Directions for the Sunflower Scheme
The Sunflower Scheme at SGUL aims to make lanyards available to all students and staff who need them, and to have them distributed at multiple high contact areas within the university so that this initiative is truly visible and accessible.
Staff questions please email disabilitynetwork@sgul.ac.uk
Student questions please email disability@sgul.ac.uk
Training will be available to staff and will help attendees to better understand hidden disabilities, the aims of the Sunflower Scheme, and how to approach somebody who is wearing a sunflower lanyard. The approach to these individuals should be open, unassuming and non-judgmental, with the aim to support them in whichever way they find useful. The Disabled Student’s Society is a community between disabled students and staff to work in partnership.
However, there is still work to be done to make the sunflower a recognised symbol of support within the St George’s community. The Sunflower Scheme runs on the values of kindness and understanding, in the hopes it will lead to small simple gestures of support. In order for the scheme to be beneficial, we all have a role to play in acknowledging the sunflower symbol and promoting the kindness it brings within our community. From Nathalie’s and Kiranjit’s shared experiences, a small act of kindness and patience can make all the difference. Nathalie feels passionate about the impact this can have on our community, as spreading awareness is a powerful tool for change.
For more information on the Sunflower Scheme visit: Sunflower Scheme - Hidden Disabilities (sgul.ac.uk)
Sunflower lanyards are available for students from the SU on the 2nd floor of Hunter Wing.
Written by Kiranjit Khera, Becky Kemp Arnold & Natasha Wollen