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The tool that shows your hidden disability – or are there to support PODs

Graphic shows three sunflowers on green circles on darker green backgrounds with text 'Making the invisible visible' and the Hidden Disabilities logo with sunflower
Suzanne Locke 14 November 2024
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The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is an awareness tool designed to help individuals with hidden disabilities (known in the region as people of determination or POD) signal their need for support.

Wearing the Sunflower is a voluntary choice, allowing individuals to discreetly indicate that they may need assistance, patience, or understanding from those around them.

There are two brands for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower globally and in the Middle East:

  • Green lanyards (wearers’ lanyards) – lanyards that are worn by people with hidden disabilities
  • White lanyards (supporters’ lanyards) – worn by people who are trained to recognise the Sunflower and to provide the support if needed, as well as by carers or parents of children with hidden disabilities.

Sunflower Programme in the Middle East

Since its official launch in the UAE in 2022, numerous organisations have joined the programme, fostering inclusivity for individuals with hidden disabilities and their families.

Prominent members include Dubai Airports, Emirates Airlines, EXPO City, Etihad Airways, Bahrain International Airport, HSBC Bank Middle East and Coca-Cola Arena.

Become a member of the Sunflower programme in the Middle East

Organisations interested in joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme in the Middle East can reach out to [email protected] for more information. Sunflower lanyards for the Middle East are exclusively produced by the Zayed Higher Organization in Abu Dhabi, employing individuals of determination to empower and support their community.

Where to get a Sunflower lanyard in the UAE or Bahrain

Complimentary Sunflower lanyards can be picked up at the following locations:

UAE-wide

  • HSBC Bank Middle East: All branches in the UAE

Abu Dhabi

  • Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi: Special Assistance desks (pre-check-in)

Dubai

  • Coca-Cola Arena: Box office (near Entrance D) or main reception (Entrances A, B, C on event days)
  • Dubai Airport (All Terminals): Assisted Passenger Services desks
  • Expo City, Dubai: Connect Conference Centre (Entrance 1 and Nexus’s reception on event days)

Northern Emirates

  • Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah: Various establishments, including Waldorf Astoria and The Ritz-Carlton

Bahrain

  • Bahrain International Airport: Check-in Counter B19 (branded with the Sunflower) Yas Mall: Information desk near Marks & Spencer
Aurora50’s Inclusive Workplaces Summit focuses on people of determination and their families at work. [Related stories: UAE people of determination: Your comprehensive resources compendium | What the UAE’s POD symbol represents | Digital inclusivity: 8 easy ways to make your content more accessible | The accessibility features we all use | Workplace tips if you have ADHD] #hiddendisabilities #SunflowerProgram #inclusionforall #supportforall #MiddleEastInclusion #hiddendisabilities

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