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UCL supports the Sunflower Lanyard scheme.
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 has been introduced at UCL following requests from disabled staff and students. Please note that wearing of the sunflower lanyard is optional.
History of the scheme
Today the lanyard is recognised at international airports, cinemas, shopping centres and several NHS Trusts as more UK airports, supermarkets, railway stations and sports venues distribute the lanyard. Sainsbury’s has been the first supermarket to trial the scheme with 40 stores. Tesco is also trialling the scheme in 15 Hertfordshire stores.
FAQs
- Which invisible disabilities 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 other than highlighting they have an invisible disability and may need assistance.
- Where can I collect a sunflower lanyard?
Sunflower lanyards can now be collected from the UCL Andrew Huxley building, some UCL libraries including from IOE Library, Main Library, Science Library and Cruciform Hub. (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.
Students may request a Lanyard via ‘askUCL’.
- 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?
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’ not hidden?
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.
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.
