Hidden disabilities

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme

As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, Glasgow Caledonian University has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. The scheme aligns with our Common Good mission and GCU Values. It also supports our Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society, which recognises GCU as an autism friendly campus, as well as one of our Equality Outcomes – “our University is physically and virtually accessible to disabled people”.

What does the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower mean?

Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to others that they need additional support, help or a little more time. The scheme aims to make a practical difference to disabled students and staff, regardless of whether they have formally disclosed an impairment. Hidden disabilities are disabilities that may not be immediately obvious, and include a wide range of impairments such as learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, mental ill health, mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments.

Launched in 2016, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has been successful in ensuring wearers benefit more widely from help being offered to make their daily living a little easier. It has now been adopted globally by major airports and venues and in the UK, by many supermarkets, railway and coach stations, leisure facilities, the NHS, a number of police, fire and ambulance services, and an increasing number of small and large businesses and organisations. GCU is proud to be a member of the Hidden Sunflower Disabilities scheme.

Where can I get a Sunflower lanyard?

‌Sunflower lanyards can be collected from the following locations:

GCU Glasgow campus - map

• Campus Life desk, Level 1, George Moore building
• Library desk, Level 0, Sir Alex Ferguson Library

GCU London campus

• Student Services reception desk, Level 1

Where can I find more information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme?

These short videos provide more information about the scheme:

• What is a Hidden Disability?
• Does the Sunflower make a difference?
• What reaction do you want from the Sunflower

For further information, visit the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme website.

Distance Aware Scheme

GCU has signed up to become a Distance Aware Partner, alongside institutions and businesses across Scotland.

The scheme uses Distance Aware badges and lanyards to indicate that the wearer needs space and would like people around them to take extra care. They can be used by staff and students concerned about returning to a busy environment as we adapt to living with the virus, or by anyone who feels more comfortable when they have more room.

Lanyards can be collected by staff and students from:

• Campus Life desk, Level 1, George Moore building
• Library desk, Level 0, Sir Alex Ferguson Library
• GCU London, Student Services reception desk, Level 1.

They can also be collected from libraries and Asda supermarkets across the country. They can be ordered online through participating charities. For more information on the Scottish Government's Distance Aware scheme, follow this link.