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Supporting non-visible disabilities in the workplace

  • 2 mins

Across the globe, 1 in 6 people live with a disability, and of those people, it is estimated that up to 80% are living with a non-visible disability. That is over 1 billion people.

What is a non-visible disability?

Some people may have visible indications or signs of their disabilities, conditions, or chronic illnesses, while others do not. These conditions may be neurological, cognitive, physical, visual, auditory, or include sensory processing difficulties and can be temporary, situational, or permanent.

The Hidden Disability Sunflower Program

The Hidden Disability Sunflowers Program aims to support people living with non-visible disabilities in their communities by raising awareness and helping to create a more understanding and inclusive society.

By discreetly wearing a sunflower lanyard, pin or wristband, people can identify that they have a non-visible disability and may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in public spaces.

Hidden Disability Sunflower at HenderCare

Last year, HenderCare became a proud member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, helping to promote a safe and inclusive workplace. Team members with a non-visible disability were encouraged to participate in the program by wearing a Hidden Sunflower accessory if they felt comfortable doing so.

This initiative helps our team members who may need extra support to communicate their needs quietly and effectively without explaining their situation.

How you can support people with non-visible disabilities

Supporting individuals with hidden disabilities requires compassion and awareness. We encourage everyone in the community to be mindful and:

  • Be Kind: Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
  • Listen Closely: Sometimes, the best way to help is by simply listening.
  • Have Patience: Patience goes a long way in understanding others’ needs.
  • Don’t Judge: Avoid making assumptions about what others might be going through.
  • Show Respect: Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, whether their disabilities are visible or hidden.

Together, we can work towards a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and understood.

To learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, click here.

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