Sunflower symbol aims to make invisible disabilities easier to recognise

People with invisible disabilities can use sunflower-patterned lanyards and badges to signal that they may need support, ORF Tirol reports. Tuesday’s Day of Invisible Disabilities is drawing attention to conditions including autism, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

Support needs and symptoms can vary, meaning someone may use a mobility aid or other assistance on some days but not others. Julia Golser, chair of the City of Innsbruck’s Disability Advisory Council, said a first step is to believe people when they say they have an invisible disability. She also urged others to respect it if someone declines help, noting that people can sometimes intervene too quickly.

Questions about a person’s disability can cause stress, Golser said. A polite approach is often best.

More public awareness of the sunflower symbol could help prevent misunderstandings, she said. But some people hesitate to wear a sunflower lanyard because it identifies them as disabled and may feel stigmatising.

Under the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower project run by Vienna Airport and Austrian Airlines, people can collect a sunflower lanyard free of charge at Vienna Airport information desks. Airport staff are trained to recognise the symbol and respond appropriately to people with disabilities.