An estimated 1.3 billion people experience some form of disability. This represents 16% of the world’s population or 1 in 6 of us. That figure is increasing due to an ageing population combined with medical advances.
For many, disability or chronic conditions are not visible and are acquired. These may be:
- Temporary, situational or permanent.
- Neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental.
- Physical, visual, auditory and including sensory and processing difficulties.
- They also include respiratory, rare diseases and chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
Currently, there are over 900 non-visible disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses listed on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Website.
It’s the largest minority group in the world and it’s one that any of us can join at any time. When someone has non-visible conditions it can be hard to know that they may need additional support when at work or study.
Unitec is now part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme
Unitec is committed to ensuring our workforce reflects the diversity of our akōnga (students) and the rich cultures represented within the local community we serve. Tāngata (people) and community are at the heart of everything we do at Unitec.
As part of this commitment, we have recently joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme . This programme was created to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is here every day of the year to support people living with non-visible disabilities in their communities by raising awareness, training businesses and sharing stories to help create a more inclusive, understanding society.
It is a simple tool for you to share that you have a hidden disability voluntarily. Simply by wearing the Sunflower, you’re just letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, or just more time.
What does being part of the Sunflower programme mean?
Kaimahi who wish to become sunflower allies can undertake training to support their colleagues and ākonga with hidden disabilities (sometimes termed non-visible disability). Wearing a white sunflower lanyard signifies to others that you are a safe person to talk to for support or guidance.
Kaimahi who identify as having hidden disability are welcome to wear the sunflower symbol themselves. Wearing the green sunflower lanyard signifies to others that you have an invisible disability and may need a little extra help or time.
You may find that people around you may ask what they can do to assist you. You or your carer can use your Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to tell people who are aware of the Sunflower about the additional help you may need.
How to participate
Become a supporter
- Complete the e-Learning module on Disability Confidence 101
- Complete the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Awareness video
- Familiarise yourself with the current provisions of support available to staff and students
– Ākonga – Welcome – Access4Success
– Kaimahi – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Te Aka - Collect your sunflower resources from the People, Culture and Wellbeing Team at Unitec.
- Wear a Sunflower Supporter lanyard, pin, wristband, or badge. Once you receive a Sunflower Lanyard it is yours to keep and use everywhere.
- Insert the Sunflower Supporter logo to your e-signature.
- If you see someone wearing a lanyard or wristband be mindful they may require some additional support. Be calm, speak clearly, check for understanding and do not ask someone what their disability is.
- Respect someone’s wishes if they decline your help.
- Avoid making assumptions – let the person guide how they would like to be supported.
- Know where to direct people for lanyards, wristbands and badges or accessibility support.
Wear a sunflower symbol
- Collect your sunflower resource from the People, Culture and Wellbeing or Student Success Teams at Unitec. No personal details will be collected.
- Alternatively you can email ODETamaki@unitec.ac.nz to arrange collection.
- Wear a Sunflower lanyard, pin, wristband, or badge. Once you receive a Sunflower resource it is yours to keep and use everywhere.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Membership Launch Event, September 2025
We proudly celebrated our new membership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in September 2025. If you missed the event or would like to re-watch it, the recording is below:
Frequently asked questions
What is a hidden disability?
A hidden disability, sometimes termed non-invisible disability, is a disability or chronic health condition with no immediate obvious signs.
What is the sunflower programme?
The sunflower programme is an easy way for disabled people, or those who wish to be allies, to signal this to others through wearing a white (ally) or green (person with disability) lanyard.
Do I need to disclose my disability to get a lanyard?
No. Green lanyards for those with a hidden disability are based on self-identification of need, not on disclosure of your specific disability. Wearing a lanyard is entirely optional. There is no qualifying list of invisible disabilities – you simply choose to wear the Sunflower to indicate that you may need additional support, help or simply a little more time.
Is it okay to ask someone what their disability is, or why they are wearing the green sunflower lanyard?
It depends! There is no straightforward answer to this one, as some people will be happy to share this information with you and might use it as an opportunity to educate you on their specific disability, and other will not want to talk about their disability, for many reasons.
As a general rule, it is best not to ask. If you are wanting to know how best to support someone wearing a green sunflower lanyard, you might approach the conversation like this.
“I see you are wearing a sunflower lanyard. If there are things I can do to support you, please let me know’
Or
“Hey, I noticed your lanyard. Are there any specific symptoms you deal with that would be useful for me to know”?
If I have a disability, do I have to wear a lanyard?
No – it is entirely your choice to wear a lanyard or not. Not everyone will be comfortable disclosing they have a disability, and that’s okay.
It is up to you to choose when to wear the Sunflower.
Hidden disabilities can be situational, for example, a nut allergy, some are temporary, for example, a hip operation or an injury, such as a broken ankle; or some are permanent but do not present all the time: for example migraines or Crohn’s disease. Carry it with you so you can decide when you want to wear it to show that you need additional support, understanding or time.
What to expect when you are wearing a lanyard
Unitec kaimahi recognise that sunflower lanyard wearers may need additional time or support on occasion.
What the lanyard does not do?
The Sunflower lanyard ensures that your colleagues are aware of an invisible disability and can support you if extra assistance is needed. It doesn’t allow you to bypass processes or policies.
How to obtain a Sunflower Lanyard?
See guidance above.
Any pātai or support needed?
Contact the Organisational Development and Equity Team on ODETamaki@unitec.ac.nz.
Additional resources
For more information on the Sunflower Lanyard, watch this video – What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower? – YouTube.
Bodies @ Work podcast: Approximately half our working population is managing at least one chronic health condition. Bodies @ Work interviews guests who are researching and working at the intersection of chronic illness/disability and employment. We aim to amplify conversations about how illness effects our working lives and what we can do to improve work outcomes for people living with disabling chronic conditions.
What Is A Hidden Disability? – Disability Awareness Training
Ally resource on how you can support the Sunflower Initiative
Sunflower Handout – Explaining Ally Support