Supporting inclusion and accessibility
At UTS, we are proud to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative, a global movement that supports people living with non-visible disabilities.
This initiative aligns with our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and respect for the diversity of our community by providing an accessible and inclusive environment for all.
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol that allows people with non-visible disabilities to discreetly indicate they may need additional support, understanding, or time.
By wearing a sunflower lanyard, pin, or wristband, individuals can signal that they may face challenges that aren’t immediately apparent.
The Sunflower is a discreet way for individuals with hidden disabilities to indicate they may need:
- Extra time
- Understanding
- More detail or clarification
- Support or assistance
Wearing a Sunflower lanyard, badge, or wristband is entirely voluntary and does not require disclosure of any personal or medical information.
What is a Hidden Disability?
Hidden disabilities are not immediately visible but can significantly impact a person’s daily life.
These may include:
- Autism, ADHD, or learning differences
- Mental health conditions such as anxiety or PTSD
- Chronic illnesses like diabetes, epilepsy, or chronic pain
- Sensory impacts or neurological conditions
Learn more with Sunflower’s guide to over 960 hidden disabilities.
Why is UTS participating?
At UTS, we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and visitors.
By joining the Sunflower initiative, we are:
- Recognising the diversity of disability experiences;
- Promoting awareness and understanding across our community;
- Empowering individuals to receive assistance without needing to explain or justify;
- Building our collective confidence and capability to support people with disabilities.
How does the Sunflower work at UTS?
Wearing the Sunflower is voluntary and non-disclosure-based—you don’t need to explain your condition.
UTS staff are being trained to be a “Sunflower supporter” and recognise the symbol and respond with support.
Once trained, Sunflower supporters can be recognised by wearing their supporter lanyard or badge.
How is UTS supporting the initiative?
- Free Sunflower products (lanyards and pins) are available to students, staff, and visitors.
- Trained designated staff across service points are trained to recognise the sunflower and respond with support.
- The online training session is available to all UTS staff to complete here or navigate to Neo > Online Learning Management > Diversity > “Sunflower - hidden disabilities”.
The training is an 8-minute video to explain:
-
- What is the Sunflower?
- What is a hidden disability?
- What should I do?
How can you support someone with a hidden disability?
- Be patient and respectful. Small gestures make a big difference.
- Attend a training session or awareness event.
- Share the message: not all disabilities are visible.
Here are ten easy steps you can take:
- Ask if you can help
- Be kind
- Be sensitive and understanding
- Listen closely
- Be present
- Have patience
- Do not judge
- Show respect
- Give choices
- Remember, everyone is unique.
Digital signatures
Add the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower logo to your email signature.
Download the image (PNG, 16KB)
Where can you get a Sunflower lanyard?
You can collect a lanyard or badge from:
Or you can request one by emailing student.services@uts.edu.au.