Active Disability Ireland is proud to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to raise awareness and strengthen inclusion for people with non-visible disabilities in sport. The Sunflower is a powerful initiative and a recognised symbol worldwide for non-visible disabilities, with a vision of “a world where no one is left out or overlooked. Where people with non-visible disabilities are recognised, respected, and fully included in all areas of life. Where environments are supportive, accessible, and inclusive.”

Wearing the Sunflower is a discreet way for people to choose to share that they have a hidden disability and may require additional support, patience or understanding.

According to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, 1 in 5 people live with some form of disability in Ireland and 80% of these are non-visible. We’re committed to supporting the initiative by creating inclusive spaces hosted by Active Disability Ireland, and spreading awareness of the Sunflower in the sport sector to encourage adoption across sport and physical activity providers and facilities.

Speaking on the membership, Strategic Operations Manager, Stephanie Mac Sweeney commented:

“Our connection to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is an important step in strengthening inclusion across sport and physical activity in Ireland. Many people live with disabilities that aren’t immediately visible, and the Sunflower provides a simple but powerful way to communicate the need for understanding or support. By embracing this initiative, we’re helping to raise the profile of non-visible  disabilities and support in creating environments where everyone feels recognised, respected, and able to participate fully. We are encouraging our partners and networks to join us in adopting the Sunflower so that together we can help make sport and physical activity more accessible.”

Ambassador Eva Grace is a strong voice in the advocacy space, using her platform as a student to advocate for inclusion in sport and beyond. Drawing on her lived experience with Dyspraxia and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Eva shares:

“Initiatives like the Sunflower are incredibly important because they recognise that not every disability or condition is visible. As someone living with Dyspraxia and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I’ve experienced first-hand how difficult it can be when the challenges you face aren’t immediately understood by others. The Sunflower helps create a simple but powerful way to signal that someone may need a little more time, patience or support in certain situations. It also alleviates some of the burden on people with invisible disabilities to have to share personal details in order to ask for help.

For people with experiences similar to mine, initiatives like the Sunflower can make everyday environments feel more understanding and accessible. They also start important conversations about invisible disabilities and the barriers that people can face in spaces like education, travel, sport and public life. Ultimately, greater awareness leads to greater inclusion, and that’s something that benefits everyone.”