Saturday 03-12-2022 - 08:27

Have you ever noticed someone wearing a green lanyard with a sunflower pattern, and wondered what it's for?

People with hidden disabilities may choose to wear a sunflower lanyard to indicate their disability. Hidden disabilities are disabilities that are invisible to the naked eye. And they're a lot more common than you may think. 

 

One in five people have a disability, and 80% of those are hidden disabilities. Additionally, around 74% of people with a disability do not have a wheelchair or other outward sign of disability. Hidden disabilities include conditions such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, processing disorders, heart problems, and multiple sclerosis. 

 

My story

 

As a mother of a young boy with Autism, I know  too well the barriers he faces when it comes to inclusion. Sometimes, he's not as quick as others to grasp the meaning of a conversation, and other times he's very quiet. Most people can be very accepting and patient with him. But others exercise less patience, or comment on how quiet he is. It's never done with malicious intentions, but comments like this make him feel like he sticks out as an odd person or he is stupid. Naturally, this impacts his mental health and future attempts to socialise.

 

This is a common issue for people who battle with the effects of a hidden mental or physical disability every day. Comments regarding someone’s speed of understanding, or ability to grasp conversation, or perform certain tasks are too often dismissed as “banter”,  but can contribute to long-standing anxiety and depression issues.

Hidden disabilities in society 

 

Disabled people are twice as likely to experience domestic abuse or physical violence than their non-disabled counterparts. Elsewhere, the mental impact of name-calling, threats of abuse and bullying can have a detrimental impact on disabled peoples' health, especially if they're already struggling with day-to-day life. 

 

Our society is slowly adjusting to increase accessibility provisions, but there is still a long way to go when it comes to how we talk about and provide for people with hidden disabilities. The sunflower lanyard is just a small part of the larger struggle to increase visibility.  

 

If we see someone who needs help, most of us would instinctively help the person or give them extra time to finish their task. But if they appear to be physically fit, we are quick to judge them as difficult, like they're doing it on purpose. Some people can become very impatient, huffing and puffing or rolling eyes. But behind closed doors, that person could be struggling with a hidden disability. You can never tell if somebody has a hidden disability - hence the name hidden - but think: if you knew they were disabled, would you give them more time? Would you offer to help? Would you consider how your impatience might affect them?

 

Next time you are in a queue behind someone who takes a long time to complete their transaction, be considerate. Offer empathy and understanding, and let them take the time they need. 

 

Hidden disability support at Edge Hill University

 

For those who may need a quiet place to sit, you can visit the top floor of the library (accessible by lift). Elsewhere, you can find a quiet space in the Magnolia Room, just outside of Forest Court. Speak to a member of security if you need access to this room.  

 

If you need a quiet place to live, Edge Hill University provides quiet halls of residence. Whilst these are not specifically designated for those with disabilities, their rules about noise levels mean they are useful for those who may find the move to university overwhelming.

 

University must make reasonable adjustments for you if you have note from your doctor evidencing your needs. These adjustments will be made on an individual case-by-case assessment, and your adjustments will be made in line with your needs. If necessary, you could be given access to reader and scribe software, braille documents, or coloured paper. To find out more, visit the Inclusion Team webpage. The Inclusion Team also provide information about Disabled Students' Allowance. 

 

If you're in need of extra support, you may also book an appointment with the Wellbeing Team. 

 

This article was contributed by Health, Social Care & Medicine President Doreen Morrin.