Not all disabilities or chronic conditions are immediately obvious to others. When someone has non-visible condition, it can be hard to know that they may need additional support when at work or study.
That’s why the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme was created – to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding.
Unitec is now part of the Sunflower programme.
Kaimahi who wish to become sunflower allies are able to undertake training to support their colleagues and students with hidden disabilities (sometimes termed invisible illness). 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 a 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.
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
FAQ – Kaimahi
What is a hidden disability?
A hidden disability, sometimes terms invisible illness, 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 people with disabilities, or those who wish to be allies, to signal this to others through wearing a white (ally) or green (person with disability) lanyard.
How do I get involved?
Contact xxx
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.
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.
What to expect when you are wearing a lanyard
Akonga: Unitec kaimahi recognise the Sunflower Lanyard and can provide you with help you may need at the different stages of your time with us. If you are feeling overwhelmed, staff can slow down the process for you and offer extra assurance. Sometimes, the support provided might be in referring you to the appropriate student support service.
Kaimahi: Unitec kaimahi recognise that sunflower lanyard wearers may need additional time or support on occasion.
What the lanyard does not do
Akonga: The Sunflower lanyard ensures that our staff are aware of an invisible disability and can support you if extra assistance is needed. It doesn’t allow you to bypass normal procedure or get additional support beyond what is already available via Access 4 Success.
Kaimahi: 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
You can obtain a lanyard as part of the training available to staff, or via the Access 4 Success team, or alternatively, you can purchase a sunflower lanyard from Hidden Disabilities.
Once you receive a Sunflower Lanyard it is yours to keep and use wherever the scheme is recognised.