Sunflower Lanyard

What is the Sunflower Lanyard?

The Sunflower Lanyard (also known as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower) is a simple, voluntary way for someone with a non-visible disability to signal to those around them that they may need additional support or understanding. It was originally introduced at Gatwick Airport in 2016 and has since been adopted by thousands of organisations across the UK and internationally.

Who is it for?

Anyone with a hidden disability can wear the Sunflower. There is no formal assessment or registration required. Hidden disabilities include:

• Autism and autistic spectrum conditions
• ADHD
• Anxiety and mental health conditions
• Chronic pain and fatigue conditions
• Epilepsy
• Hearing loss
• Learning disabilities
• Chronic illness (diabetes, Crohn's, etc.)

Do you need a diagnosis to wear a Sunflower Lanyard?

No. There is no assessment, registration or proof of diagnosis required. The Sunflower Lanyard is entirely voluntary and self-identified. If you or your child has a hidden disability and you feel the lanyard would be helpful, you can simply collect or order one and start using it. Many families use it while still on a waiting list for a formal diagnosis.

Important: it is not a discount card

The Sunflower Lanyard is a communication tool, not a discount or access card. It does not entitle the wearer to free entry, queue-jumping or other concessions. Its purpose is to help staff recognise that a person may need a little extra patience or quiet support.

What does wearing the Sunflower Lanyard entitle you to?

The Sunflower Lanyard does not come with any formal entitlements. It is a communication tool, not a pass. However, in practice, many venues will offer informal adjustments when they see the Sunflower, such as:

• Staff being more patient and offering extra time
• Access to a quieter checkout lane or quiet space
• Being directed to a less busy area or entrance
• Priority boarding at airports
• More understanding if a child has a meltdown in public

It does not replace cards like the Access Card or CEA Card, which provide verified adjustments and free companion tickets. Families often use the Sunflower Lanyard alongside these other schemes.

How to get one

Sunflower Lanyards are free to collect from many locations, including:

• Supermarkets - Tesco, Sainsbury's, M&S, Asda, Morrisons
• Airports - most major UK airports
• Theme parks - Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, LEGOLAND, Chessington
• Retailers - Argos, Boots, WHSmith
• Online at hdsunflower.com (small charge for postage)

You can also order lanyards, wristbands, badges and pin badges online from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website.

For children, a wristband or pin badge may be more practical than a lanyard. These are available in the same sunflower design and carry the same meaning. A children's size lanyard is also available.

Where is it recognised?

The Sunflower is widely recognised across the UK. Most major airports, supermarkets, hospitals, transport operators, theme parks and visitor attractions train their staff to recognise the Sunflower. Many venues that accept the Sunflower display the logo at their entrance.

Sunflower Lanyard vs Access Card

The Sunflower Lanyard is a free, voluntary awareness signal with no assessment required. The Access Card is a verified disability card that shows venues exactly what adjustments you need and can provide tangible benefits like free carer entry. They serve different purposes and many families use both — the Sunflower for everyday situations like supermarkets and airports, and the Access Card for attractions and days out where specific adjustments or companion tickets are needed.

Tips for SEN families

• Some children prefer wearing a wristband rather than a lanyard - both are available.
• You can attach information cards to the lanyard explaining specific needs (e.g. "I am autistic and may need extra time").
• Some venues offer additional support when they see the Sunflower, such as quieter checkout lanes or priority entry to calm spaces. Ask at the welcome desk.
• Wearing the Sunflower is always voluntary. Some families use it only for busy outings where extra understanding from staff would help.