Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme

In December 2021 as part of Purple Light Up Day The University of Manchester registered to become members of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme. 

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower exists to support those with non-visible disabilities such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, sight or hearing loss. Wearing the Sunflower lanyard enables individuals to discreetly indicate that they have an invisible disability and may need additional assistance, kindness, or simply a little more time.

Since the Sunflower was established in the UK in 2016, it has been adopted globally by organisations to support both their colleagues and customers. The Sunflower is recognised across a broad range of sectors - ranging from retail, financial services, transport including over 130 airports, travel and tourism as well as over 450 universities, schools and colleges, all of the UK railway network, theme parks, supermarkets, leisure facilities, healthcare, financial services, emergency services, theatres and over 350 charities. The Sunflower has been launched locally in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.

We will be recognising the Sunflower in all our staff, student and public spaces. 

TRAINING

In association with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower we have made some very short videos available on Blackboard that explain the meaning behind the Sunflower logo and what you should do if you come across someone who needs assistance. These can be accessed via Content – LAOD150 Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme ... (manchester.ac.uk)

LANYARDS

Sunflower lanyards are available to purchase, either individually or by the box in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Store.  They also stock marketing material which can be bought and used to promote the Sunflower in your area.  If you wish to purchase any products from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Store please contact equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk who will set you up as a user on the website which will enable you to do this.  Please note that these are chargeable to us as an Institution but must be issued to people who need them free of charge. 

RESOURCES

There are many resources on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website which can help you understand certain conditions.  There is a section where people can share their stores which can be accessed through Sunflower Conversations.  This is something we would love to start doing at The University of Manchester, if you are willing to share your story please contact us. 

Globally, 1 in 7 of us live with some form of disability. That’s more than 1 billion people with disability in the world. While some experience a disability that is visible, many have a non-visible impairment or condition. And often, many people experience a combination of both. To help with understanding these conditions Hidden Disabilities Sunflower provides an Invisible disabilities index where you can find information about many of the disabilities that you may come across.

Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean that it is not there. 

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, making the invisible visible.