News Focus
V
isitors to the Midlands-based
venue will soon be able to pick up
a sunflower-themed lanyard to signify
that they have a disability or condition
that may not be immediately obvious
when looking at them.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
was first launched at Gatwick Airport
in May 2016, and is now starting to
be recognised globally, as well as
being adopted in the UK by all major
airports, many supermarkets, railway
stations, leisure facilities, in the NHS
and an increasing number of small and
large businesses and organisations.
The scheme was launched to highlight
the fact that living with a hidden
disability can make daily life more
demanding for many people, but that it
can be difficult for others to recognise,
acknowledge or understand the
challenges faced.
Whilst many other sporting venues
do recognise the Hidden Disabilities
Sunflower, Ricoh Arena is one of the
first exhibition venues to join the
initiative.
The lanyards will be permanently
available at Wasps’ ticket office and
at Ricoh Arena’s main reception for
the 1.3m visitors that visit Ricoh
Arena every year for live sport, music,
conferences and exhibitions from 28
March 2020.
Senior community development
officer at Wasps, Jordan Young, was
the driving force behind bringing the
initiative to Ricoh Arena.
Young said: “Introducing the
sunflower lanyard adds to the great
work that is already being done with
the club’s pitch-facing sensory room
which is used by families for Wasps
matches.
“Not all disabilities – such as autism,
deafness and learning disabilities –
are obvious to the general public, and
16 — April
A bright idea
Ricoh Arena will be introducing a scheme that
supports those with hidden disabilities.
these lanyards will play a crucial role
in notifying venue staff and other
visitors that the lanyard wearers may
require additional assistance.
“We will be training as many of our
staff as we can around increasing
understanding of disabilities, and
how we can make a positive impact
across the business for customers with
disabilities.
“Thousands of people visit Wasps
matches and other events at The Ricoh
every year, and we’re hoping we can do
our part by spreading awareness of the
initiative even further.”
For more information about the Hidden
Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, visit
www.hiddendisabilitiesstore.com
Which hidden disabilities
are eligible for a sunflower
lanyard?
» Autism and
Asperger’s
» Learning disabilities
» Dementia
» Mobility issues (e.g
arthritis, MS, ME,
chronic illness)
» Visual or hearing
impairments
Why a sunflower?
A sunflower was chosen
to represent happiness,
positivity and strength,
whilst allowing those
with hidden disabilities
to choose to be visible
when they need to be.
The sunflower is also a
universally recognised
gender-neutral flower
which is very visible
against the lanyard’s
green background.