Summer Abroad Sunflower Initiative

Summer Abroad Supports the Sunflower

The Summer Abroad program is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. At Summer Abroad, we support the Hidden Disabilities' Sunflower Initiative as a means to ensure students will have an accessible travel experience.

Students with visible and invisible disabilities are encouraged to pick up a free Sunflower lanyard at the Summer Abroad office before they depart for their Summer Abroad program to ensure that they have an accessible travel experience by helping self-identify for travellers with disabilities. 

The History of the Sunflower 

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was started in 2016 at the Gatwick Airport in England to provide a means for persons with invisible disabilities to receive additional support while travelling abroad. Since its inception, the initiatives have expanded into a global network across various sectors and have adopted the sunflower.  
 

More than Just a Lanyard 

The Sunflower Lanyard is more than a tool that fosters inclusive accessibility; it also encourages understanding, respect and uplifts the dignity of persons with disabilities as they travel.  

Thank you to the Toronto Pearson Airport (GTAA Passenger Care)for providing the Sunflower Lanyards,  available while supplies last. The lanyard alerts staff and crew to ensure passengers wearing one get help if needed. 

The Sunflower lanyards are free. Visit us at our office during drop-in hours to pick up a lanyard from the front desk: Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 4:00 pm.  

Sunflower Tips

How to use the Sunflower Lanyard 

• Wear it around your neck when you are navigating the airport or boarding the plane. Make sure it is visible and not hidden by clothing. 
  • If the airport or airline personnel are trained, they should be able to identify and recognized the lanyard and offer assistance without you having to say a word or disclosing your disability. 
• If airport or airline personnel have not approached you, do not be offended. They may not be trained to recognize it, as not everyone is familiar with the sunflower depending on the country. In that case, you may have to approach them. Inform them that you require accessibility assistance and specify the type of assistance you require. You do not need to disclose your disability, but you are free to do so if comfortable. 
• Remember, you have full control over if, when, and how you disclose your disability. Let the lanyard do most of the heavy lifting. 

What to do if you see a Sunflower Lanyard 

 During your time abroad, you will have classmates who may be wearing the sunflower lanyard. You can show your support in the following manner.  

• Respect their dignity. You are not obligated to know personal details regarding their disability. It will be up to them to decide when, how and if they disclose their disability.
• Ask if they need assistance and how you can best support them.  Do not touch and start helping them if you have not asked first. Do not make assumptions about the type of assistance they need. 
• Accept their rejection of assistance.  They know their limits, sometimes they do not need help and that's okay! 
  • The only instance where you can offer assistance without asking is during an emergency or there is a risk to their health and safety. 
  • If you have a roommate who is a sunflower lanyard user, make sure to have a conversation with them about how to best support them during residence. 
    • If any medical issues or emergencies occur, inform the On-site Coordinator ASAP. 
• Be friendly! One of the goals of Summer Abroad is to foster opportunities to form friendships. If you see anyone alone, try to include them when you can. 

Bonus Tip: Sunflower Cards

• You can also purchase "sunflower cards" from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Shop. These cards identify that you have an invisible disability and require assistance. 
• You can also purchase personalized cards, where you can provide information such as the type of disabilities you have, a photo of you, specific instructions as well as emergency contact information. 
• Please note that these personalized cards while helpful, cost about $20 and are shipped from the UK. 
• The approximate delivery time for these cards take 2 weeks. However, if you really want a card, you should purchase the cards at least a month in advance  of your departure. 

The information shared is updated annually. We value your feedback and insights. If you come across any information that you believe should be updated or have suggestions on how we can improve this resource, please do not hesitate to contact the Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator at summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca. Your feedback will help us continue providing accurate, relevant, and meaningful information to support Summer Abroad student participants. Together, we can make this section a dynamic and valuable tool for the entire Summer Abroad community.