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Sunflower Lanyards

miaxx

Hi everyone.

This post is in no way meant to be disrespectful to those who wear the sunflower lanyard + have a good reason to not wear a mask. 

I'm wondering what everyone thinks of sunflower lanyards now that they have been slightly hijacked by anti-mask people? I've seen them being sold on facebook marketplace, ebay, all over the place just so people can get away with not wearing a mask. I understand I sound judgmental, and I don't know from looking at someone if they have a reason to wear it or not, I just think there should have been a different indicator for 'I can't wear a mask'

The lines have now been blurred and most people equate sunflower lanyard with maskless, I feel it's lost it's meaning. People have looked at me funny for wearing a lanyard and a mask at the same time. Invisible disability doesn't always mean you can't wear a mask, and vice versa.

I hate the fact that people are selling them to people without actual disabilities. What does everyone else think? I feel that it should be fraud to sell them to people without disabilities. It's the same as selling a blue badge to an able person.

Also, before anyone mentions self diagnosis, I think you should have to prove you've spoken to a GP or been referred for an assessment. Speaking to a GP is free so I think this would be reasonable proof to provide.

Parents

  • I recently got one (post formal diagnosis) with the photocard.

    I told a friend I had it and he asked "what has Autism got to do with not wearing a mask?".

    It seems that this concept has become commonplace - surely  HiddenDisabilities charity is aware of the issue. I wonder what they have to say about it?

    Do we need a plan B going forward? Change the flower or something?

  • in reply to JJ

    they are aware of the issue and are trying to steer people away from buying counterfeits on ebay. but still doesn't change the fact that from now on i think people will always equate sunflower lanyard with mask exemption.  i think its very upsetting

  • in reply to miaxx

    It is disappointing that what could have been a helpful 'tool' to make our lives a teeny bit easier has been rendered impotent.

    I would prefer not to have to attach the photocard all the time as I feel it's a bit too much information to have on display to everyone. (Ref the debate about being labeled and people's misunderstanding of the condition...)

  • in reply to ☕Tassimo ☕

    I'm confused - why do you say proof of disability and/or proof of discussions with a GP is a barrier? I'd have thought it's more of a barrier to have people believe the lanyard is something that it isn't, and therefore not understand that you may need more help with certain things.

    Surely most who have been diagnosed with a disability or their GP believes they have a disability would be happy to provide proof? I know I would be first in line if it meant people without disabilities couldn't lie and  use resources there to help specifically disabled people.

    Like I said, this method is used for blue badge holders. Would you rather we take away the need for proof to have a blue badge? This would mean non disabled people would take up disabled parking spaces, making it much harder for disabled people.

  • in reply to miaxx

    I have removed my comments from this thread because the opinions expressed distress me. I find these kind of discussions launched by users with empty profiles cause disagreement and unessacary hostility between people, which is exhausting and distressing for me.  

Reply Children
  • in reply to ☕Tassimo ☕

    I'm confused - why do you say proof of disability and/or proof of discussions with a GP is a barrier? I'd have thought it's more of a barrier to have people believe the lanyard is something that it isn't, and therefore not understand that you may need more help with certain things.

    Surely most who have been diagnosed with a disability or their GP believes they have a disability would be happy to provide proof? I know I would be first in line if it meant people without disabilities couldn't lie and  use resources there to help specifically disabled people.

    Like I said, this method is used for blue badge holders. Would you rather we take away the need for proof to have a blue badge? This would mean non disabled people would take up disabled parking spaces, making it much harder for disabled people.