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Hidden Disabilities Sunflower by Crystal Vaughan-Gagnon , St . Cloud State University student
Paul White The man behind the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
" I have learned that the biggest element that exists across all people is to just treat that person as an individual ."
Sunflower Lanyard display
Paul was raised in Harlow , Essex , England . His father had Parkinson ' s Disease . He grew up dealing with his father ' s disability and the challenges that he faced . He went to college to learn about the printing industry and in 1995 founded Tabbers Green , a printing and merchandise company . Paul explained that he enjoyed the printing business at first but that with business , it ’ s easy to lose sight of what the company is all about . The environment over the years affected him overall in a negative way and he knew he needed to belong to something more . When the opportunity for The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower came along Paul had limited knowledge about disabilities and awareness of the challenges that someone might face with an invisible disability . He stated that the sunflower , “ Reignited my passion . It ’ s always good to learn something new . It broadened my horizons a little bit and kind of made me see that there ’ s other things you can focus your mind on . It ’ s helped me grow as a person .”
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower company began with a conversation about how individuals who have an invisible disability might experience challenges and would benefit from support in the community . This is when Paul and his team began thinking about what they could create for people with hidden disabilities . The idea for a sunflower was developed . “ That ’ s what the sunflower really is ,” Paul stated , “ it ’ s just a simple tool to demonstrate that your disability is non-visible and for other people , businesses , and organizations to be able to give you the time and care that you may need .” Paul utilized his marketing experience to bring the Sunflower product to market and promote their idea . Various products were created for people to wear , and Paul and his team now train front-line staff about the Sunflower . To spread awareness , they discuss what it symbolizes , ensuring that customers wearing a sunflower are asked what they need , how they can be helped , and support and kindness are genuinely extended . Paul expressed “ Sunflower really is a helpful tool that helps us to recognize both customers and colleagues with disabilities that aren ’ t visible .”