Where can I get a sunflower lanyard for hidden disabilities?
More and more retailers are offering sunflower lanyards in their stores as part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme, with Morrisons yesterday announcing it will support the initiative.
The scheme aims to provide people with hidden disabilities – such as autism, asthma, or chronic illness – a way to let people know of their disability discreetly.
For some, their condition may mean they cannot wear a face covering, while others may require seating or a calm environment.
Where can you get a lanyard and who is entitled to one?
Where can you get a sunflower lanyard?
A number of supermarkets stock the distinctive lanyard, including Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Argos, Tesco, and Morrisons.
You should be able to collect one from the customer service desk at any of their larger stores, but if in doubt, it is worth calling in advance of your visit.
Morrisons was the latest to join the scheme, announcing its introduction on Twitter yesterday.
‘This week we’re introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme into stores. The initiative acts as a discreet sign that somebody has a hidden disability. If you have a hidden disability and want a lanyard, please collect one free from the customer service desk,’ the retailer’s tweet reads.
You do not need to provide a proof of disability.
In addition, you can pick up a lanyard at Manchester Picadilly, London Euston, Liverpool Lime Street and Birmingham New Street station.
You can purchase a lanyard for 55 pence on the Hidden Disabilities website, where you can also find a full list of the retailers and places that acknowledge the scheme.
Why is it called a sunflower lanyard?
It takes its name from its appearance – a simple green ribbon, decorated with sunflowers.
The design was chosen because it was ‘subtle but visible,’ according to the Hidden Disabilities website.
‘We created a simple sunflower design on a green background for a lanyard – a subtle but visible sign to enable airport staff to identify that the wearer (or someone with them) may require some extra help, time, or assistance when moving through the airport,’ the website states.
‘The success of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and the positive response it has received has increased awareness of the challenges adults and children with hidden disabilities can face. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower wearers now benefit more widely from help being offered to make their daily living a little easier.’
Who can get a sunflower lanyard?
The lanyards are intended for anyone who has a disability that is not immediately obvious to others.
The definition is not prescriptive, with Hidden Disabilities explaining: ‘Hidden disabilities don’t have physical signs and include learning difficulties, mental health as well as mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments.
‘They can also include asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions as well as chronic illnesses such as renal failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders when those diseases significantly impact day-to-day life.’
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