Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is an internationally recognized program to help those living with invisible disabilities receive a helping hand by choosing to wear a sunflower lanyard, sticker or other recognized item. 

Choosing to wear the green and yellow sunflower lanyard or sticker is always voluntary, and you do not need to disclose a diagnosis or the nature of your invisible disability to wear one or access help.  

An invisible disability is any physical, mental or neurological condition, like dementia, that isn’t clearly visible or immediately obvious to others, but its symptoms can affect a person’s ability to independently navigate unfamiliar environments.

Similar to our “I have dementia” cards, the sunflower lanyard is a simple and discreet way to share with staff that you, or the person you’re with, may need more understanding, space or extra time while traveling or enjoying your time at participating organizations, like the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. 

Assiniboine Park Conservancy 

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy was the first Canadian Zoo and Park to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program in 2024. The Sunflower program is recognized across all of the shops and venues at the park, including The Leaf and Zoo. Visitors can pick up a free lanyard and sticker at the visitor services desks. 

The park staff and volunteers who have received training about the program and how to support guests with invisible disabilities will be wearing white sunflower lanyards and stickers. If you need help of any kind, look for one of these staff.  

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is proud to partner with community organizations, like the Assiniboine Park and Zoo and The Leaf who advocate for dementia-friendly actions to build stronger, safer dementia-friendly communities.  

Winnipeg Richardson International Airport 

The Winnipeg International Airport also joined the program in 2022, and over 160 airports worldwide recognize the program. 

The airport’s accessibility team also wears the white version of the lanyard to signal to travelers that they’re available for assistance. Travelers can pick up their sunflower lanyards at the information booth located on the arrival level on the ground floor next to door two.  

Sensory support kits for people of any age are also available at the information booth. The kits include items that can help individuals remain calm in a stressful, loud or overstimulating environment like noise-reducing headphones. 

Click here to learn more about accessibility at the Winnipeg airport.

When community members and organizations work together to create dementia-friendly change for our social and physical environments, our communities can improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.

Find more printable “I have dementia” cards in our resource library.