Hi there,

Lots of people have disabilities, neurodiversity, or differences that can’t be seen by others. These are called hidden disabilities. The Sunflower lanyard was created to help tell others that the wearer has a hidden disability and might need a bit more time or consideration.

Symbols and images can mean different things to different people. The sunflower was chosen because it’s often seen as positive, but it can be hard when you or your family sees the symbol differently.

Starting a conversation when you disagree with someone can be hard, but there are ways to make it easier. It can help to think about the things you and your family already agree on as a starting point, for example whether you deserve support and acceptance for your dyslexia. You can then think about how this lanyard will also help you get support and acceptance.

One way to help your family understand the benefits can be showing them how well used the lanyard is. The Hidden Disabilities website has lots of information, and it may help to look at it together. Sharing the benefits and how it might help you each and every day can help them to understand what makes it so important.

The hardest part of talking to someone who disagrees with you can be accepting that they may not change their mind. It may be that your family isn’t able to stop seeing the sunflower as bad luck, and it can help to think about things you could do if they can’t.

Even if it’s hard for your family to accept you wearing the lanyard, you’re not doing anything wrong by wanting to wear it. Over time, wearing the sunflower in this new way could even help to turn a symbol of bad luck for your family into one of growth and support.

Take care,

Sam