A ribbon lanyard with sunflower designs was created with the aim of highlighting people who have “hidden” disabilities. Created through an initiative in the United Kingdom in 2016, the cordon arrived in Latin America in April 2023 and became Law in Brazil in July of the same year.
The accessory is used to help third parties identify people with “non-visible” disabilities, that is, those that are not noticeable at first. They can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental, such as physical, respiratory, visual, auditory and are manifested by sensory and processing difficulties.
By viewing a person carrying the cord, people will therefore know that the individual may need extra help, understanding or just more time on everyday tasks.
Last year, Brazil changed the Statute of Persons with Disabilities and sanctioned Law No. 14,624, which established the cord, already recognized internationally, as a national symbol of people with these conditions. This allows for easier access to the cords, which are free.
The use of the lanyard is not mandatory as it is an earned right. Therefore, it does not grant priority in queues or other types of license. To do this, it is necessary to present identification as a Person with Disabilities (PWD).
Discovered by a mother
The sunflower cord arrived in Brazil thanks to the mother of an autistic child. Flávia Callafange discovered the existence and usefulness of the instrument and sought out the organization that created the cord and spread it around the world, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, to bring the initiative to the country.
Felicia's mother, Flávia then decided to change her job and joined the organization to help with this inclusive cause.
CEO and founder of the project, Paul White celebrated Brazil's recognition of the symbol.
“We are very excited that the cord has been recognized by the Brazilian parliament as the national symbol for people with hidden disabilities. We look forward to working with companies and organizations to convey this message throughout Brazil.”
A CNN tried to contact the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship to find out how people with hidden disabilities can access sunflower lanyards. To date, however, he has not received a response.
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m James Harper, a highly experienced and accomplished news writer for World Stock Market. I have been writing in the Politics section of the website for over five years, providing readers with up-to-date and insightful information about current events in politics. My work is widely read and respected by many industry professionals as well as laymen.
