Sunflower Lanyard helps with Hidden Disabilities
Making the Invisible Visible
How the Sunflower Lanyard Helps People With Hidden Disabilities
I was going to write a long blog post explaining the Sunflower Lanyard — but I don’t need to. Aphasia Phil and Glory Gresham have already created an excellent video that breaks down how the lanyard works and why it matters for people with hidden and non-visible disabilities.
Here’s their video (well worth your time):
You Tube “Hidden Disabilities Sunflower — Phil & Glory”
What the Sunflower Lanyard Is
The Sunflower Lanyard is simple: a green lanyard decorated with bright yellow sunflowers.
It’s a quiet, respectful signal to staff that the wearer has a disability that isn’t immediately obvious. It lets people know you might need:
- A little more time
- A bit more help
- Extra patience
- Clearer communication
And it works anywhere—airports, libraries, supermarkets, banks, doctor or dental offices, and more.
I only saw the Sunflower Lanyard for the first time two weeks ago, and I instantly understood why so many people use it. It truly helps.
Hidden Disabilities Are More Common Than We Think
I personally know at least four friends with hidden disabilities. Their challenges may be temporary or permanent. They may be neurological, cognitive, physical, sensory, or chronic health conditions. And I’m sure there are many more people quietly navigating difficult challenges we never see.
That’s why the lanyard matters. It makes the invisible visible—gently.
A Great Gift for the Holiday Season
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Mawlid, or simply the turning of the year, the Sunflower Lanyard can be a thoughtful, empowering, and practical gift.
Give someone support they can carry with them.
A Short List of Hidden Disabilities
There are many hidden disabilities—far more than people realize. Here are some common ones:
- Aphasia
- Crohn’s disease
- Diabetes
- ADHD
- Autism
- Epilepsy
- Dyslexia
- Fibromyalgia
- Lupus
- Endometriosis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
- Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bipolar disorder
- Cancer
- Learning disabilities
…and many more.
Thank You, Phil and Glory
Great job, Phil and Glory, for explaining the Sunflower Lanyard so clearly. Your work helps people understand, support, and show humanity to those who may need just a bit more patience.