In Australia, about 1 in 5 people have a disability, some visible and others kept hidden for various reasons. When we think of disability, many often picture someone in a wheelchair or dealing with a physical handicap, but that assumption doesn’t cover all disabilities. While some disabilities require physical aids, others are not immediately visible, referred to as hidden or invisible disabilities.
The organization Hidden Disabilities explains that invisible disabilities can encompass a wide range of conditions that may not be obvious to others. According to their website, "While some of us experience a disability that is visible, many of us have a non-visible disability that is not immediately apparent to others." These disabilities can include temporary, situational, or permanent conditions such as neurological, cognitive, neurodevelopmental, physical, auditory, visual, respiratory, and chronic illnesses like asthma and diabetes.
Just because a disability is invisible doesn't mean it's less debilitating than a physical one. In fact, hidden disabilities can be harder to manage because others may not recognize the challenges the individual is facing. Since these disabilities aren't easily identified by physical aids, how can one communicate the need for support?
This is where organizations like Hidden Disabilities are working to make a difference. Their goal is to create visible signs for invisible disabilities. One such initiative is the sunflower lanyard, first introduced at Gatwick Airport in England in 2016. The sunflower symbol was developed to identify people who may have a hidden disability and require assistance. By 2023, the sunflower lanyard has become widely recognized within the disability community.
The sunflower lanyard, along with other initiatives, allows individuals to voluntarily signal that they have a disability. This non-confrontational, stress-free symbol helps ease potentially awkward situations, such as needing an accessible seat on public transport or using a business’s facilities.
Josh recounts his own experience in CPSN’s CP Diaries, where a night out with friends took a turn for the worse. Upon arriving at a local bar, the bouncer mistakenly assumed he was intoxicated due to his cerebral palsy, causing unnecessary tension. If Josh had known about the sunflower lanyard initiative, the situation could have had a much better outcome.
Product shown/used in this publication: A symbol for non-visible disabilities, also known as hidden or invisible disabilities. (hiddendisabilitiesshop.com.au)
Note: The product shown is not a recommendation from CPSN.
Interested in learning more about how to navigate your future with a disability? Get in touch with Josh or the customer service team at +61 03 9478 1001, or email josh.daniel@cpsn.org.au. You can also visit www.cpsn.org.au for more information.
This production was made possible with assistance from My CP Guide, an online resource that offers credible information about cerebral palsy from early diagnosis to therapies, interventions, and support services across the lifespan. Visit their website to learn more.
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