By Beds SU
Tuesday, 30 November 2021
You may have noticed particularly more so since the start of the pandemic individuals wearing green sunflower lanyards or wristbands. These accessories offer individuals who choose to wear them a subtle way of informing others they have a hidden disability that may result in them requiring support, exemption from certain activities or guidelines such as wearing a mask or simply your respect, patience and kindness.
What is a hidden disability?
Not all hidden disabilities are the same, they can include autism, diabetes, mental health conditions, chronic pain, learning disabilities, mobility and speech impairments, respiratory conditions and sensory loss including speech, sight and hearing, all of which can impact an individuals day-to-day.
The Sunflower scheme was launched primarily to raise awareness of the various hidden disabilities people may have, to ensure that support was on offer where required be it on transport, in shops and other public places, including Universities.
How Beds SU and the University are supporting individuals with hidden disabilities
Beds SU became an ambassador of the Sunflower scheme in the summer of 2020 and we are delighted the University is now too.
As part of the SU and University's commitment to the Sunflower scheme a number of staff members have been trained to support individuals who may need assistance.
There are two key ways in which you can access help. For the SU simply head along to our help desk in Luton or the campus centre in Bedford where someone will be on hand to offer support or guide you to the help you require. Alternatively you can visit the Student Support team in Bedford. If you are based on another campus, email help@bedssu.co.uk or studentexperience@beds.ac.uk.
On Friday 3rd December the University will be celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities by holding Drop-In sessions between 11am - 2pm in the Campus Centre, Luton and Campus Centre, Bedford offering details on how you can support friends and colleagues who may have a visible or invisible disability.
Find out more
If you would like you to learn more about disabilities head to our Disability History Month page where you can read and watch personal accounts from students and staff here at the University.
You can find out more about the Sunflower scheme here.
Should you require support during your time at University you can contact the UoB disability and dyslexia team.
If you require any further information about how Beds SU can support, you. Drop us an email to help@bedssu.co.uk.
**The sunflower lanyard does not indicate that a student has a Learning and Teaching Support Agreement (LTSA). If you are a student with a disability and need individual support with your studies, please contact the Disability Support team at disability@beds.ac.uk to explore formal support options.Alternatively you can look out for individuals wearing a white 'I support the sunflower' pin, usually on the their lanyards.