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Hidden Disabilites Sunflower Program

Hidden Disability Sunflower Program banner

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is a tool for our members to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that they may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time while at the IPMI Parking & Mobility Conference & Expo.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a global program dedicated to supporting individuals with non-apparent disabilities, conditions, and chronic illnesses. Since launching in the UK in 2016, the Sunflower has expanded worldwide and is now recognized in more than 90 countries. It connects thousands of organizations across sectors, including retail, financial services, education, healthcare, emergency services, entertainment, and transportation, with over 330 airports and 23 airlines participating globally.

The Sunflower gives individuals a simple way to share that they have a non-apparent disability. This subtle, voluntary signal empowers people to indicate they may need extra assistance, understanding, time, or space. By fostering awareness, the program helps create inclusive, accessible environments where people feel welcome, valued, and supported.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower operates in markets including the US, UK, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, Luxembourg, Poland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Mauritius, and the UAE. The company is privately held and headquartered in the UK, working globally to advance disability inclusion.

Learn more about the program.

Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it is not there.

Globally 1 in 6 of us live with a disability. That is approximately 1.3 billion people.

But while some of us experience a disability that is visible, many have a non-apparent condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-apparent conditions. These disabilities can be temporary, situational or permanent. They can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties. They can also be respiratory as well as chronic health conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, chronic pain and sleep disorders.

 

Visit the Non-Visible Disabilities Index to learn more!

Supporting You With the Sunflower

IPMI is a proud member of the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.

This reflects our deep commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and understood. The Sunflower empowers individuals with non-apparent disabilities, conditions, or chronic illnesses by giving them a discreet way to let others know that they may need a little extra help, patience, space or time. There’s nothing to explain, just wear your Sunflower, and our team is ready to offer support however you need it. We want the Sunflower to be easy for anyone to access at our in-person events. Need a lanyard, badge, or wristband? Just stop by the registration desk for the event, and the IPMI team will be happy to help you. If needed, simply ask any team member and they’ll make sure you get what you need. No questions asked; just say you’d like a Sunflower. Together, we can help make the invisible, visible.

Want to know more about the Sunflower? Check out their website at hdsunflower.com.

Be part of the solution.

How Can You Help?

You can become a Sunflower Supporter! IPMI offers training for you to become a Sunflower Supporter at the IPMI Conference & Expo, and help us to grow our Sunflower-friendly community. This training will help you understand what the Sunflower symbol means, what non-apparent disabilities are, and how to approach and support individuals wearing the Sunflower. By completing this training, you will become more knowledgeable and confident in helping IPMI make our Conference inclusive and accessible to all members of our parking, transportation, and mobility community.

Email rysak@parking-mobility.org to learn more!