The HDS × CACIC Sunflower Lanyard
A Statement of Visibility, Empowerment, Accessibility, and Inclusion
What is the Sunflower Lanyard?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple, voluntary tool for people with non-visible disabilities. Wearing the sunflower discreetly lets the people around you know that you may need a little extra help, understanding, or time, without you having to say a word.
Since it launched in 2016, the scheme has been adopted around the world. More than 200 airports and a wide range of businesses, from shops and transport to healthcare, now recognise the sunflower and train their staff to respond with patience and care.
The HDS × CACIC Collaborative Sunflower Lanyard
Chinese Autism (CACIC) has partnered with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (HDS) to create a bilingual HDS × CACIC Sunflower Lanyard, made especially for Chinese-speaking autistic communities.
We see this Collaborative Sunflower Lanyard as a bridge between cultural understanding and global accessibility. It carries a clear message that runs through all of our work, that autism is something to be accepted, not hidden.
In Mandarin, autism is called gūdúzhèng (孤独症), which literally translates as ‘loneliness disease’.
Language like this can deepen misunderstanding rather than ease it. A bilingual lanyard speaks directly to families, helping them access public spaces with confidence and without fear of judgement.
Made for the Chinese community
For many Chinese families, autism is still surrounded by stigma, and awareness of the Sunflower scheme remains low within UK Chinese communities, even though it could make everyday life easier.
Families tell us about discrimination on buses, in shops, and in restaurants, and for some these challenges are made harder by language barriers and worries around immigration. A bilingual lanyard helps families step out of the door without having to explain their needs each time.
Sunflower Lanyard FAQs
What is a hidden disability?
A hidden disability is a condition that is not always visible from the outside, yet can affect someone's movement, senses, or everyday life. It may be physical, mental, or neurological, and it can be temporary, situational, or permanent.
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
It is a voluntary way to show that you have a hidden disability. Wearing the sunflower gently signals to the people around you that you may need a little more help, understanding, or time.
What does the sunflower mean?
The sunflower stands for happiness, positivity, strength, growth, and confidence. It is distinctive and widely recognised, so it works as a quiet visual cue without drawing too much attention.
Where can I use it?
The Sunflower is recognised around the world. It is accepted across more than 200 airports and in transport, shops, schools, healthcare, government services, venues, and banks in many countries.
Do I need to explain why I am wearing it?
No. The Sunflower simply prompts staff to ask how they can help. You never have to disclose your condition to receive support.
Do I have to wear it all the time?
No. You can carry it and choose when to wear it, depending on the situation and what feels right for you that day.
What if my child refuses to wear one?
That is completely fine. Even one caregiver wearing the Sunflower is just as effective in public spaces.
Do I have to prove my disability to get support?
No. There is no qualifying list and no proof required. Wearing the Sunflower alone shows that you may need a little extra support.
Support our campaigns
Give to support the Sunflower Lanyard campaign and receive one of our exclusive HDS × CACIC lanyards as a thank you.