Chris Grant (he/him) December 07, 2024 A 4 minute read

Creating an Inclusive Environment with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme

At O’Brien Media, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to announce our commitment to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, a global initiative designed to support and recognise individuals with non-visible disabilities who may need additional understanding, assistance, or time.

By joining the Sunflower network, we pledge to take meaningful steps toward creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone who interacts with us. This commitment complements our ongoing work as a Disability Confident Leader employer, reflecting our dedication to fostering inclusivity in both our workplace and the services we provide.

Our Sunflower Scheme Commitment

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme is a simple yet powerful way to signal support for individuals with non-visible disabilities such as autism, sensory impairments, chronic pain, anxiety, and other physical or mental health conditions that may not be immediately apparent. Here’s how we are incorporating this initiative into our work:

1. Training Our Workforce

We are committed to equipping our team with the knowledge and tools needed to support individuals with hidden disabilities. Our aim is to train at least 80% of our current and future employees to:

  • Recognise the Sunflower symbol and understand its significance.
  • Learn about the diverse range of non-visible disabilities it represents.
  • Develop the skills to approach and support individuals wearing the Sunflower with confidence and empathy.

This training will help ensure that our team is ready to provide thoughtful, compassionate assistance to anyone who may need it.

2. Promoting Awareness

Raising awareness is essential to building a more understanding and inclusive society. At O’Brien Media, we will:

  • Share information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme on our website’s accessibility page.
  • Add our location to the Sunflower-friendly map so individuals know they can access support when visiting us.
  • Use our communication platforms to educate both our team and our customers about non-visible disabilities and the importance of inclusion.

By promoting awareness, we hope to inspire empathy and understanding while challenging stereotypes about disabilities.

3. Creating an Inclusive Environment

Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone – whether a customer, visitor, or employee – feels respected, valued, and supported at O’Brien Media. By embracing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, we aim to create a welcoming space where individuals with non-visible disabilities can feel confident and comfortable.

What Does It Mean to Be a Disability Confident Leader?

In addition to adopting the Sunflower Scheme, O’Brien Media is also proud to hold the status of Disability Confident Leader, the highest level of the UK Government’s Disability Confident programme. This designation reflects our commitment to supporting disabled individuals both in the workplace and beyond.

As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we pledge to:

  • Actively recruit and retain disabled individuals, offering equal opportunities for employment and career progression.
  • Create a workplace environment that is accessible and supportive, enabling all team members to thrive.
  • Share best practices with other organisations, helping to promote disability confidence across our community.
  • Proactively support employees with disabilities through tailored adjustments, training, and regular engagement to understand their needs.

Being a Disability Confident Leader means that we not only meet the programme’s rigorous standards but also lead by example, encouraging other employers to make their own workplaces more inclusive.

What the Sunflower Symbol Means

The bright Sunflower lanyard or badge is a subtle but impactful signal that someone has a hidden disability and may need additional assistance or understanding. The symbol is already widely recognised in the UK and internationally, with countless businesses, airports, retail spaces, and public venues participating in the scheme.

By displaying the Sunflower at O’Brien Media, we hope to reassure individuals that we are a safe, understanding, and accommodating place – whether they are visiting us or working alongside us.

A Commitment to Lasting Change

Joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme and holding the title of Disability Confident Leader go hand in hand with our mission to create a truly inclusive organisation. These initiatives reflect our belief that everyone’s experience matters, and we are dedicated to adapting and improving to meet the diverse needs of our team members, customers, and community.

At O’Brien Media, we understand that small actions – like implementing the Sunflower Scheme and leading by example as a Disability Confident Leader – can have a big impact. Together, we can help foster a more compassionate, inclusive, and supportive society, one step at a time.

If you’d like to learn more about our commitment to inclusivity or the support we offer, visit our accessibility page or get in touch. Let’s work together to make inclusion a reality for everyone.