So many of us wear lanyards, often in an effort to keep those all-important ID cards or door passes used at work safe and secure. The recently launched sunflower lanyards also serve an important purpose, but in a very different way.
The bright green, sunflower print lanyard is fast becoming the established symbol of hidden disabilities in the UK. The lanyard has been designed to discreetly let staff know that customers have a condition such as autism, dementia or hearing or visual impairments.
Recently organisations including supermarkets, train operators providers and airports have embraced the idea, with the lanyards acting as a discreet sign to alert staff to an individual who may need additional assistance while shopping or travelling.
A blooming brilliant idea
Our legal experts have welcomed the move as a positive step forward for awareness and understanding of autism, dementia and other conditions.
Mathieu Culverhouse is an expert lawyer in our public law team and has regularly campaigned for improved support and help from public services.
He said: “The concept is a simple and could make a huge difference to many people’s lives. Through our work we have seen situations where people have faced issues on public transport or in other environments due to a misunderstanding or lack of awareness about specific conditions.
“These lanyards are a way of showing the wider world that there may be more for them to consider than they first realise.”
Over 10,000 lanyards have been handed out so far and you can pick yours up from a local Sainsbury’s or at airports up and down the country.
Turning Point – Summer 2019
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- Centre of Excellence
A new facility providing vital support to disabled children opens in the UK.
- Out In Front
How Nathalie’s determination has led her to a top job in motorsport.
- Trailblazers
Marking 100 years of women in law with a spotlight on some of our inspirational solicitors from all areas of our business.
- Let's Talk About It
May marked the launch of our new podcast series ‘Let’s Talk About It’ and we were lucky to be able to call on three big personalities to help us kick the series off in style.
Download the Turning Point Summer 2019 magazine
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