Individuals may choose to wear the sunflower lanyard to discreetly indicate that they have an invisible disability and may need help, assistance, or simply more time.
If you see a colleague, service user or member of the public wearing one:
- ask if you can help
- be kind
- listen closely
- have patience
- do not judge
- show respect
Watch a short video available on the Hidden Disabilities website.
Wearing a sunflower lanyard
Not all people with hidden disabilities need assistance. However, if they do, wearing a sunflower lanyard discreetly indicates that help may be needed, whether that’s a colleague at work, a service user, or a member of the public.
A sunflower lanyard encourages:
- to ask for extra support (although people don't have to be wearing a lanyard to ask for this)
- to use the lanyard to tell people about the type of assistance you need. For example, if you need some more time to understand something
- our staff to approach you and ask if there is anything you need help with
Your sunflower lanyard is yours to keep, and you are most welcome to wear it every day at work, out and about, shopping, attending medical or dental appointments, basically anywhere, any time.
How to request a lanyard?
To request a lanyard please contact the Dis-Ability Inclusion Network via email: din@derbyshire.gov.uk and one will be posted to you.
You can also collect a lanyard from the County Hall reception.
Teams backgrounds
We’ve also created Teams backgrounds for you to use should you wish. It features a sunflower embedded within some of our existing corporate Teams backgrounds. Similarly, like wearing a sunflower people using the background with a sunflower on it indicate to others that they have a hidden disability.
If you see the sunflower in one of your virtual Teams meetings, consider how you can help your colleague:
- use the “raise hand” function when you want to talk
- remind colleagues that subtitles are available
- offer to record the session so it can be reviewed again later
- use the chat function, so all can have a share in the discussion
- use Teams Live Transcriptions to make the meeting more inclusive
Can you help with a poster in your office?
If you are interested in receiving some promotional materials for your office, including posters, please email din@derbyshire.gov.uk.
Dis-Ability Inclusion and Neurodiversity Networks
The Dis-Ability Inclusion and Neurodiversity Networks are open to employees working for Derbyshire County Council.
You can join one of their future meetings or subscribe to their Teams channels to network with other members.
For more information of if you have any questions, please email din@derbyshire.gov.uk.