What does it mean if someone wears a sunflower lanyard? In this blog and poster, I’ll clarify what is meant by a ‘hidden disability’ and how some people are choosing to communicate the support for a disability they would like to receive.
Be kind; not all disabilities are visible
Some people choose to wear a lanyard with sunflowers to let you know that they may need:
- more time
- understanding
- a helping hand
- clear communication
This can be out and about and at work. The aim of a sunflower lanyard is to help people with a disability, chronic illness or health condition to share the support we need discreetly and confidently.
The hidden disabilities awareness poster below can be displayed in workplaces to encourage kindness and understanding.
Download Hidden Disability Poster
As Broadcaster Aidy Smith says:
“Let us listen more, assume less and make empathy our default.”
Aidy is the only TV presenter in the UK with Tourette syndrome and is an advocate of wearing the sunflower lanyard.
Examples of hidden disabilities
- ADHD
- Autism
- Aphasia
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Brain injuries
- Crohn’s Disease
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Endometriosis
- Epilepsy
- Hearing loss
- Long Covid
- Mental health issues
- Multiple Sclerosis
- ME and CFS (Myalgic Encephalopathy and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
- Ostomy
- Sight loss
There are many more of course, these are just examples. As you can see, being neurodiverse can be seen as having a hidden disability.
Hidden disabilities are also known as 'invisible disabilities'.
Why do people choose to wear the sunflower symbol?
People choose to wear the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower official badge for one main reason: to discreetly signal to people around them, particularly staff in public places, that they have a disability or health condition that may not be immediately obvious.
People with health conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes sometimes choose to wear a ‘sunflower’ hidden disabilities lanyard or badge.
Here’s an example of a woman sharing her experience of wearing the sunflower lanyard on a forum for stroke survivors, run by the Stroke Association charity:
“I have had a few occasions lately where I’ve not been able to get out the words I’m trying to say and I’m hoping the lanyard helps people understand why I appear to have frozen.”
We’re encouraged to speak clearly and patiently and allow time for responses.
The Epilepsy Action charity also explains that:
“Epilepsy brings along a lot of challenges, many of which aren’t often visible. After a seizure, people can feel tired and confused for several hours. Medication can have many unwanted effects that may influence their overall wellbeing, and the unpredictability of the condition means that daily activities can sometimes be overwhelming. Because it is not a visible disability, staff in public places may not realise someone needs extra assistance, and it could be distressing to disclose one’s own disability to a stranger. Today, the Sunflower lanyard is a globally recognised symbol for hidden disabilities.”
Wearing a sunflower is entirely a personal choice – some people find it makes them feel more comfortable, others are not so keen.
Does the sunflower lanyard save you time explaining?
Yes there is an element of this; it can be a dignified and simple way of explaining you may need extra support. Small acts of kindness and patience can make a real difference.
Awareness of what the sunflowers lanyard means is growing, but I hear many stories of people not yet understanding its meaning. This poster is intended to help more people understand what sunflower lanyards are for.
Looking ahead, a great opportunity to further increase national awareness and support for hidden disabilities will be by celebrating Hidden Disabilities Awareness Week from 18 to 24 October 2026.
Where can you get sunflower lanyards from?
I’d recommend the organisation Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme which offers sunflower lanyards, cards, wristbands and pin badges, bag tags, armbands, keyrings and caps.
Do I need a diagnosis to wear a sunflower lanyard?
No, you do not need a formal diagnosis or to explain your specific condition to wear the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard. The scheme is voluntary and operates on the principle that the symbol itself is enough to communicate a potential need. By choosing to wear the Sunflower, you are simply triggering a supportive response, encouraging people to be helpful and perhaps provide extra time and understanding.
How can employers get more involved in supporting colleagues with hidden disabilities?
- For practical guidance on supporting neurodivergent colleagues, read Neurodiversity: How to create an inclusive culture at work.
- To support an employee experiencing hearing loss, a webinar to learn from is Hearing loss: discover the latest workplace adjustments.
- Good advice is also given in the webinar Working after cancer or stroke.
- Have a clear and accessible process for Reasonable Adjustments.
- Consider Disability Awareness Training, which will help your team empathise with disabled people and the experience of having a hidden disability.
- Disability Impact Training supports colleagues in beginning to cope with and manage a new or recently diagnosed disability in the workplace.
Also, your business or organisation could become a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme. Their vision is for people with non-visible disabilities to be recognised, respected, and fully included in all areas of life. Their membership scheme aims to:
- Foster a culture where employees and customers feel safe wearing the sunflower to indicate they have a non-visible disability, condition, or chronic illness.
- Encourages open discussions about disability.
- Enhance employee wellbeing and productivity.
- Attract, retain, and support a diverse workforce where employees with non-visible disabilities feel valued and acknowledged.
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