Living with a Hidden Disability can make daily life more demanding; it can present challenges in different ways on different days, but it can also be difficult for others to recognise, acknowledge or understand the challenges faced. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program was designed to remove some of the inhibiting barriers that challenge people living with Hidden Disabilities and so far, it has been very successful but there’s much more to be done.

Defining Disability

According to the social model of disability which has recently replaced the medical model, the definition of disability arises from the way people interact with the world. It is explained by “the barriers that hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others” (The United Nations). “It may be temporary or permanent, total or partial, lifelong or acquired, visible or invisible” (Australian Disability Network). In Australia, roughly 1 in 5 people have some form of disability, that equates to 5.5million people. Of those, it is estimated that roughly 80 to 85% have a hidden disability.

Defining Hidden Disability

“Hidden Disabilities” is a term that is interchangeable with non-obvious, non-visible or invisible. It essentially means that the disability may not be apparent to an observer as there is no obvious indicator.  

We accept that there are potentially ambiguous connotations associated with the term hidden, we are simply referring to the lack of visibility not to an intent to hide or be hidden.

For a long time now people living with hidden disabilities have not been able to receive the same acceptance, compassion, access and inclusion as people who use a wheelchair, walking stick, hearing aid, or other technological or assistive devices that clearly identifies that they may have a disability. A great deal of work has been achieved over the past few decades to improve life for people with disabilities but most of the focus until recently has been on obvious disabilities and accommodations made to physical environments to improve access, such as wheelchair ramps, wide doorways and accessible bathrooms. Much needs to be done for all people with disabilities including those that are hidden and the barriers that they face. It is our hope that by highlighting challenges and discussing ways to support, we will raise awareness for the need to improve access and inclusion for everyone.

” There are 5.5 million Australians with a disability, disorder or medical condition.“

What are Hidden Disabilities and what do they mean?

Of the 5.5 million Australians with a disability, disorders or medical conditions there are, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics and other sources: –

• 16,000 Deaf Aslan users (Aus institute of health and welfare 2016)
• Over 12 million Australians have a vision disorder (Aus institute of health and welfare 2016)
• 700,000 people living with a brain injury
• 1.35 million people reported a mental or behavioural disorder as their primary disability
• Over 290,900 Autistic Australians (ABS 2022)
• 3.6 million people living with chronic pain

There are literally hundreds of Hidden Disabilities ranging from ADHD, Aphasia, Asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Crohn’s Disease, Dementia, Diabetes, Dysautonomia, Dyslexia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Endometriosis, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) , Haemophilia, Lupus, Migraine, Multiple Sclerosis, Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Narcolepsy, Pancreatic Cancer, Parkinson’s, Peri/menopause, PoTS, Scleroderma, Stuttering, Tourette Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis and many more. We currently list over 920 on our website.

“The answer is to ensure that people with non-visible disabilities are seen, heard and valued.“

The more we are aware of the wide range of non-visible disabilities, chronic illnesses and health conditions, the more we understand that everyone is unique. And because everyone’s experiences are individual to them, it means that the barriers they face, and their access needs are also unique.

There are many varied barriers for people living with Hidden Disabilities, some physical, some related to communication and some from people, such as attitudinal barriers like discrimination or social like stigma or a lack of understanding. So how can we support everyone with their unique needs and navigate the numerous and varied barriers while building both access and, most important, full inclusion? The answer is to ensure that people with non-visible disabilities are seen, heard and valued. That we start conversations and ensure they lead to actions, including adjustments (or as we like to call them “improvements”). And finally, we build allies and ally networks. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower does just that.

What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program?

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program was started in 2016 by a few passionate advocates at Gatwick Airport UK who wanted to better support travellers with disabilities. Nine years later, The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is now a globally recognised brand like the wheelchair icon for accessibility.

Wearing the Sunflower, discreetly indicates to staff, colleagues and health professionals that the wearer (or support person with them) has a hidden disability and may need additional help or simply more time without having to disclose any personal information.

The Sunflower icon cuts through the barrier of invisibly by shifting the focus from the barrier to each individual’s current needs, it prompts a question ‘how can I help you?’

“Help us to sew the Sunflower seeds of positive change.”

By training customer facing staff across the country to recognise the Sunflower, the program is helping to normalise disability conversations in the workplace, raise awareness for the breadth of non-visible disabilities and build understanding of the challenges that many people face. Trained Staff are able to see that someone may need assistance with the bright Sunflower icon and as Sunflower-Friendly allies, are encouraged to approach respectfully and offer support. We find that most people are willing to offer assistance but are afraid that they might get it wrong and offend. The Sunflower empowers an ally by removing the barrier of fear when approaching someone with a disability.

Our goal at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is for every single Sunflower wearer to have the same opportunities as everyone else. To fully participate in society and to have a consistent level of support and understanding at every stage of their day – whether that’s travelling, at work, shopping, accessing services, exercising or enjoying leisure activities.

Please help us to sew the Sunflower seeds of positive change.

Justin Bruce – Director Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia & New Zealand🌻 

jbruce@hdsunflower.com

Justin Bruce is an executive manager at Bayley House, supporting adults with Intellectual Disabilities under the NDIS. Four years ago, Justin brought the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to Australia and New Zealand with the aim of building a more tolerant, understanding and inclusive society for all. Justin is dedicated to promoting the voice of people with disability to build self-advocacy and proudly supporting the workforce who strive every day to make a positive social impact.