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One in five people in Australia have a disability and it's estimated that 80鈥�85 per cent of these are invisible.鈥疕idden disabilities are diverse: they can be temporary, situational, or permanent; neurological, cognitive, physical, visual, auditory, or sensory; or involve health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or chronic pain. People living with disabilities can also have different needs at different times, meaning their assistance requirements may fluctuate day to day.

The provides鈥痑 simple, internationally recognised symbol for people with non-visible disabilities to voluntarily share they may need a helping hand. By wearing a bright green lanyard, lapel, or wristband with yellow sunflowers on it, people can discreetly flag their hidden disability so that members of the public can identify they may need additional support as they go about their day, such as when they are at work, or while on transport.

Sunflower lanyards are available for free鈥痜rom Inclusion and Disability Services (IDS). Head to the IDS webpage to find out more information and where you can collect a lanyard from.

Gemma, a PhD candidate at the University and Disability Equity Officer at Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA), wears the Sunflower to let the people around them know they have a condition that requires understanding and support.

鈥淚 wear the Hidden Disability Sunflower to let the people around me know that I have a condition which may impact the way I am able to navigate and use spaces, particularly during an attack,鈥� Gemma said.

鈥淚t's a way for me to be able to express my needs without having to disclose my disability verbally.鈥�

What should people know about hidden disabilities?鈥�

Wearing the Sunflower makes a real difference to the lives of people with hidden disabilities by improving accessibility, removing barriers to understanding and building confidence in public spaces.

鈥淎lthough very common, hidden disabilities can pose a challenge when it comes to comprehending and acknowledging the legitimate need for support in individuals with such conditions,鈥� Gemma said.

For Khanh, current student and聽a Disabilities and Carers Officer聽at the University鈥檚 Student Representative Council (SRC), the Sunflower initiative is shifting the understanding of disability in Australia and globally, challenging stereotypes and allowing for greater awareness of the multifaceted nature of disabilities.

鈥淎s an indicator of invisible disabilities, the Sunflower can help with reducing feelings of judgement and discomfort where you feel a need to 'explain' your hidden disability to others,鈥� said Khanh.

鈥淗idden disabilities are, by nature, never monolithic and cover a wide range of conditions that affect how a person navigates the world.鈥�

In Khanh鈥檚 experience, there remains a persistent, narrow understanding of disability, that presents people with a disability as either聽, or aligned with what is known as a聽, someone who must overcome their鈥痙isability and inspire others to do the same.聽

鈥淭he Sunflower helps to challenge these stereotypes along the way by highlighting the鈥痸ast diversity of hidden disabilities,鈥� Khanh added.

The global network also provides a sense of pride and community for those living with a hidden disability.

鈥淒isability is something someone can be proud of, as a member of a rich and diverse community,鈥� said Gemma.聽

鈥淔or some of us, we view disability as a core part of our identity and our sense of self. Being kind and open-minded to the diversity of the human experience includes understanding that disability is part of the human condition, and using the Sunflower is a great way for people with disabilities to have confidence in expressing their needs,鈥� Gemma added.

How can others support those who wear the Sunflower?鈥�

If you see someone wearing the Sunflower, it鈥檚 important to take in your surroundings and consider the situation before feeling compelled to immediately intervene.聽

鈥淚f you're passing someone in a public area, it may not make sense to do anything at all. However, if you're in a service or front-facing role, being proactive about talking to folks about their Sunflower is a good start,鈥� said Gemma.

鈥淧ay close attention and take cues regarding the support that is required. Avoid inquiring about their specific disability or making assumptions about their abilities or needs. Instead, focus on offering solutions (if they want them) and be considerate. If the person has a caregiver present, address the individual with the disability directly,鈥� Gemma added.

If you see someone wearing a Sunflower lanyard, lapel or wristband who may need support, here are six easy steps you can take:

• Ask if you can help
• Be kind
• Listen closely
• Have patience
• Do not judge
• Show respect