Join our pilot of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program!
Making the Invisible Visible
The ACCESS (Accessible Campus Community & Equitable Student Support) office here at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is proud to pilot the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
As you may know, not all disabilities are visible - some are not immediately obvious. This may include those with autism, chronic pain, or learning difficulties, individuals with mental health conditions, mobility, speech impairments, and sensory loss such as speech, sight loss, hearing loss, or deafness. This also includes respiratory conditions as well as chronic conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, and sleep disorders when these diagnoses significantly impact day-to-day life. Although you may not be able to see these invisible impairments and conditions, they’re still there.
What does the sunflower mean?
- The Sunflower is a globally recognized symbol for non-visible disabilities or invisible disabilities. Since it was established in the UK in 2016, it has been adopted to support students, colleagues and customers all over the world.
- People living with invisible disabilities often face barriers in their daily lives including a lack of understanding and negative attitudes. So some choose to wear the Sunflower lanyard to discreetly identify that they may need support, help, or just a little more time in shops, transport, or public spaces.
- At this time it is available while supplies last to anyone with any hidden disability, from autism to anxiety, visual impairments, etc.
Why a Sunflower?
- The creators wanted a discrete sign which was still clearly visible from a distance as well as being distinctive, joyful and dynamic. A sunflower suggests happiness, positivity, and strength as well as growth and confidence.
How can wearing the Sunflower benefit you?
- People around you may ask what they can do to assist you.
- You or whomever is with you can use your Sunflower to tell others about additional help that may be needed.
- For individuals who may need specific assistance but are unable to articulate their needs while experiencing a diagnosis related episode, the Sunflower card can help first responders, campus police or other individuals as to your needs.
Who is eligible to use the Sunflower symbol?
- At this time ACCESS has (25) sunflower lanyards, (25) cards, (20) silicone wristbands, and (20) lapel pins available while supplies last to anyone with any hidden disability, from autism to anxiety, visual impairments, etc.
- Our goal is to pilot this program during the Spring 2022 semester with intentions to expand and make SIUE one of the first Colleges in North America to fully adopt the program.
- If you are interested in being an early adopter/user of the sunflower symbol, please email us at myaccess@siue.edu and we will reserve an item(s) for you, as well as follow up with additional information for participants in this pilot.
What do I do if I see someone wearing the Hidden Disability Sunflower?
- When you see someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, remember they are intentionally choosing to wear this symbol because they want to be seen and asked if they need additional help.
- All you need to do is simple: Ask if you can help. Be kind. Listen Closely. Show Respect.
- Do not question them about their disability. They do not have to disclose what it is.
- Do not judge or make assumptions about the person wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
- Talk to the person with the disability directly, even if they may be accompanied by a caretaker or an interpreter.
- Do not ignore them if they do not approach you first. They may have a visual impairment, be hard of hearing or do not have the confidence to approach you.
- If they have an assistance or service dog, discourage other customers, colleagues or friends from petting or intentionally distracting the dog as it is working.
- Again, be kind. Smile. Everyone is different, so be understanding of what the wearer is asking for.
- Talk and act as you typically would and be patient.
- Give them the choice and do not second guess what they might need.
- Do not leave them if they are having difficulty explaining what they need. Give them time to finish what they're trying to say. They may have a speech impediment.
- Stop what you are doing (if possible) and help them. Do not multi-task.
- Describe what you are doing to help them, they may be visually impaired.
- There is no single right way to handle every situation, but you can prioritize kindness and respect.
- Remember, the hidden disabilities sunflower is more than just a lanyard. Look out for wristbands, and lapel pins as well as other apparel that may feature the sunflower against a green background.
