Sunflower scheme: think about invisible disabilities
09 December 2021
In November last year, our University adopted the Sunflower scheme, which helps raise awareness of hidden or invisible disabilities.
As part of the Disability History Month, we wanted to remind colleagues about the scheme.
An invisible disability is a disability that may not be immediately visible by looking at or talking to someone. It can include, for example, neurodiversity, a mental health condition as well as mobility, sensory loss or a physical disability that causes pain, fatigue or impacts on movement.
Yota Dimitriadi, Chair of the Staff Disability Network comments on why we use the terms ‘invisible’ and ‘non-visible’: “Nuances of language are important in raising disability awareness and combatting prejudice and bias against disabled people. We endorse the term 'invisible' or 'non-visible' rather than 'hidden' disabilities to acknowledge that while some disabilities may not be apparent, they are present. We are proud of the rich diversity of our university community and we want people to feel more secure in disclosing, if they wish, rather than feel that they have to hide who they are”.
Anyone wishing to indicate that they have an invisible disability can wear a Sunflower lanyard or badge as a way of signalling to others that they may require additional assistance or considerations, such as extra time or adjustments to work or study environments. A wallet-sized card is also available.
Staff and students can pick up a free lanyard from the following locations:
-
HR Reception, 1st Floor Whiteknights House (Building 27)
-
RUSU Reception, Ground Floor Students’ Union (Building 29)
-
Disability Advisory Services Reception, Carrington (Building 135)
-
Campus Reception, London Road Campus (Building 16)
-
Campus Reception, Greenlands Campus (Directions)
You can also get in touch with the central D&I Team at diversity@reading.ac.uk if you would like to pick up some Sunflower scheme items.
The Sunflower scheme also helps indicate that a wearer may welcome being approached about whether they require additional assistance. If the situation is appropriate, you may sensitively ask if there is anything that you can do to support the wearer. Not everybody who has an invisible disability requires additional support and not everybody who requires additional support will wear a Sunflower lanyard or badge, so it is important to be sensitive and not make assumptions.
The Sunflower scheme was created by charity Hidden Disabilities in 2016, where it was initially introduced in Gatwick Airport to support passengers with disabilities that were not visible. The scheme has grown in popularity and has been introduced more widely in public transport, leisure facilities, retail and a growing number of higher education institutions. The initiative is also supported by leading UK charities including the Alzheimer's Society, the National Autistic Society and Action on Hearing Loss.
Read more about why we are participating in the scheme in our launch article: ‘University adopts Sunflower scheme for highlighting invisible disabilities’
There is also a short video on UoRLearn that provides a brief explanation of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, its origins and meaning, followed by an overview of what a hidden disability is, and then tips on how to help, including what to do or say, if you see someone wearing a sunflower lanyard or badge on campus. You can access it here.