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The Sunflower Lanyard - Invisible Disability Scheme

UCL supports the Sunflower Lanyard scheme. Find out what this means, where you can collect lanyards at UCL, and how you can show support for the initiative.

The Invisible Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme is an initiative designed to act as a discreet sign that somebody has an invisible disability and requires additional assistance while out in public.

The scheme was introduced at UCL following requests from disabled staff and students. Please note that wearing of the sunflower lanyard is optional.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Which invisible disabilities are eligible for a sunflower lanyard?

Anyone with an invisible disability is free to wear the lanyard. There is no qualifying list of disabilities as the lanyard does not entitle the wearer to anything. The lanyard highlights the wearer has an invisible disability and may want assistance.

Where can I collect a sunflower lanyard?

Sunflower lanyards can now be collected from the following UCL libraries:

(Please check opening hours before attending site).

If you require a lanyard before attending UCL, please ask your department representative to collect a lanyard on your behalf and post it out to you. Alternatively they may be obtained from the sunflower lanyard shop.

How can I get a sunflower lanyard ahead of coming to campus?

We recognise that some individuals will want to have a lanyard ahead of arriving on campus, therefore students can request a lanyard to be posted to them via ‘askUCL’.
Student Support and Wellbeing will then post a lanyard out to you. 

I already have a sunflower lanyard; can I use that?

Yes. The sunflower lanyard has been in use in airports and some supermarkets for a few years now and so you may already have a lanyard. There is no difference between the one's airports and some supermarkets provide and the ones UCL are providing, so if you already have one just use that.

Why ‘invisible disabilities’ and not 'hidden disabilities'?

Whilst the national scheme calls itself the ‘hidden disabilities sunflower lanyard scheme, UCL is using the term invisible disabilities. We are proud of the diverse make-up of our university and would not want anyone to feel they should hide who they are.

Where did the sunflower lanyard come from? When did this start?

The 'Hidden Disabilites Campaign' is run by 'Sunflower Holding Limited'. This company aim to make travel and public spaces more accessible using these simple lanyards. Since it's launch in 2016, businesses from every sector have been joining the global Sunflower network - ranging from retail, tourism, and transport - including over 200 airports, railway networks, coach and bus services and ferries, education (universities, schools and colleges), healthcare, central and local government agencies to football teams, theme parks, theatres and financial institutions. 

UCL has been offering sunflower lanyards free of charge since 2020. The Sunflower has now been launched locally in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE, and the USA.

Show your support


Sunflower for your email footer

Show your support and download and one one of these two sunflower badges and add them to your email footer.  

I wear the sunflower green
I wear the sunflower white

Download sunflower badges