The Sunflower Lanyard - Invisible Disability Scheme - Current students

In Student support

Supporting a safe and inclusive Staffs experience, Staffordshire University and Staffordshire University Students’ Union support the Sunflower Lanyard scheme.

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

History of the scheme

sunflower-lanyard The scheme was first launched in 2016 at Gatwick Airport by designers, Tabbers Limited, alongside the OCS Group UK, who provide support services to UK airports. More than 10,000 lanyards have been collected.

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.

Face Covering Exemptions

Under COVID-19 guidance from the UK Government some people are exempt from wearing face coverings.

In order to support our staff and students, Staffordshire University has joined the Hidden Disabilities scheme and sunflower lanyards will be available for all staff and students. The lanyards will enable members of our community to signify that they are exempt from face coverings in a discreet way – should they choose to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for a sunflower lanyard?

Any member of our University community with an invisible disability can get a lanyard. There is no qualifying list of disabilities as the lanyard only signifies that the wearer has an invisible disability and may need assistance.

Where can I collect a sunflower lanyard?

Sunflower lanyards can now be collected from a number of locations across our Campuses. These include:

Stoke-On-Trent – Student Hub (Science Centre), Library Reception (Thompson Library), Campus Security (Cadman) ResLife (Coalport)
BlackHeath Lane (Stafford) – Info Point
Shrewsbury (Info Point)
Staffordshire University London (Reception)

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 and so, as part of the return to campus work, we are looking to departments to collect and post out lanyards to individual staff and students who require one in advance.

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

The sunflower lanyard is part of a national scheme and has been in use in airports and some supermarkets for a few years now. If you already have one, you are welcome to use it and there is no need to collect a new one.

Why ‘invisible disabilities’ not hidden?

Whilst the national scheme calls itself the ‘hidden disabilities’ sunflower lanyard scheme, Staffordshire University 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.