In honor of Disability Pride Month, I'd like to talk about a simple image that's quietly making a big difference around the globe. You might've seen it, a sunflower printed on a lanyard or pinned to someone's jacket, but maybe you weren't exactly sure what it meant. Well, that little sunflower is a lifeline, a subtle sign helping millions of people with invisible disabilities feel less alone, better understood, and genuinely welcome.

Paul White, who’s joining me today, is the CEO and co-founder of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Back in 2016, Paul set out to change how we see disability, not just the ones that are obvious, but the ones you can't always see at first glance. Under his guidance, the Sunflower initiative has reached more than 40,000 locations in 53 countries, giving people space to simply exist without constantly needing to explain or justify themselves. 

In our chat today, Paul opens up about how the Sunflower started as a small airport project and grew into a worldwide movement, and he shares why places like universities and tech transfer offices have such an important role in creating environments where everyone truly feels they belong.

In This Episode:

[02:15] The Hidden Disability Sunflower was created in 2016. It was first used at the Gatwick Airport to help identify people with non-visible disabilities.

[04:07] The sunflower was used because they wanted to create a symbol around positivity, happiness, strength, and confidence.

[05:08] Disability is about barriers, and the sunflower is about what you can do.

[06:23] A hidden disability is any disability that isn't visible. It can range from hearing loss to any type of chronic condition. Environments such as airports can also make people feel disabled. 

[09:46] Wearing the sunflower enabled a man with dementia to ride the bus and go to the sports club without his wife.

[10:40] The sunflower program also offers training and advocates for rights within the community.

[14:24] Sunflower has a membership platform, and the first thing you'll see is the training. There are also testimonials about how the sunflower has impacted people.

[15:35] The hidden disability sunflower means that a wearer has a non-visible disability. You don't need to know or ask what that person's condition is, just give extra time, patience and understanding.

[18:43] One in seven people have some form of disability. It should be up to an organization to allow a space for this person to access this area.

[22:27] Universities are also using the sunflower. It helps spark the conversation and normalize disability.

[23:42] The Scouts have also just introduced their first sunflower badge.

[25:12] How the sunflower is being used as a symbol to help create independence in the Middle East. They have Global Partners all across the globe.

[28:28] Paul's message would be for businesses and organizations to create an environment where people feel comfortable disclosing that they may have a non-visible disability.

[29:45] Organizations could have newsletters, representation, or employ more disabled people.

Resources: 

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Paul White

Paul White - LinkedIn

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Instagram

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Facebook

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - X