The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project is a groundbreaking initiative designed to support individuals with non-visible or hidden disabilities. Launched in 2016 by Gatwick Airport and various charities, this scheme has rapidly gained global recognition and adoption across multiple sectors.
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project?
The project uses a simple yet powerful symbol – a sunflower on a green background, typically worn as a lanyard or displayed on a card. This discreet indicator lets others know that the wearer may have a hidden disability and could benefit from additional support, patience, or understanding.
The Benefits of The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower for Your Vehicle: Enhanced Safety and Support on England’s Roads
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project, a initiative that has been widely adopted to support individuals with non-visible disabilities, has now been extended to include vehicles. This innovative approach ensures that drivers and passengers with hidden disabilities receive the necessary support and safety measures when traveling on England’s motorways and major A-roads.
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower for Your Vehicle?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower for your vehicle is a discreet indicator that signals to roadside and emergency services that you or someone in your vehicle may need additional support if you break down or require assistance. This symbol, a sunflower on a green background, can be displayed as a sticker or magnet on the rear of your vehicle.
Who Can Use the Sunflower?
Anyone with an impairment, whether hidden or visible, who may need extra support in the event of a breakdown or requiring assistance on a motorway or major A-road in England can display the Sunflower on their vehicle. This includes individuals with conditions such as anxiety, sensory impairments, physical disabilities, or any other non-visible disability.
How Will the Sunflower Help You?
Displaying the Sunflower on your vehicle serves several critical purposes:
- Clear Indication of Need: It informs National Highways traffic officers and emergency services that you or someone in your vehicle has an impairment that may not be visible. This prompt ensures that the right support is provided promptly.
- Personalized Support: Traffic officers will ask about your specific needs, listen closely to your instructions, and provide help accordingly. They are trained to be kind, patient, and respectful, ensuring you feel safe and supported.
- Safety First: The Sunflower helps in managing stressful situations by ensuring that you get to a place of safety, receive assistance with understanding instructions, and have support in moving and recovering an adapted vehicle if necessary.
Displaying the Sunflower
To ensure maximum visibility and effectiveness:
- Placement: Display the Sunflower on the rear of your vehicle where it can be easily seen without obscuring your view.
- Durability: The Sunflower sticker is designed to last at least three years and can be removed using a 70% alcohol solution. Alternatively, you can use a removable magnet that attaches to your vehicle bodywork.
Confidentiality and Support
- Confidentiality: With your agreement, National Highways traffic officers will inform other relevant parties, such as emergency services and breakdown providers, about the additional support you may need. This ensures a coordinated and respectful response.
- Optional Use: Displaying the Sunflower is entirely optional. You can choose to display it on your vehicle, wear a Sunflower lanyard or badge, or use both methods depending on your preference.
Additional Benefits and Resources
- Public Place Support: Beyond vehicle use, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project also offers lanyards and badges for use in public places, such as airports, supermarkets, and healthcare facilities, ensuring consistent support across various settings.
- Access Guides: National Highways provides access guides for motorway services, helping you plan your journey with confidence. These guides cover all aspects of accessibility, including parking, toilets, petrol stations, staff training, and shops, making it easier to take regular breaks and ensure a safer, more comfortable journey
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower for your vehicle is a valuable tool that enhances safety, confidence, and inclusivity for drivers and passengers with non-visible disabilities. By displaying the Sunflower, you ensure that you receive the right support in critical situations, making your journeys on England’s motorways and major A-roads safer and more manageable. Join the growing community of individuals and organizations committed to inclusivity and understanding by obtaining your Sunflower sticker or magnet today.