Visit
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Opportunity for visitors with invisible impairments to receive discreet support
The Uber Arena is part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative.
People with non-visible impairments often find it difficult to move around in crowded places. The Uber Arena is an example of such a place. To give them more security when visiting, the arena offers free lanyards or badges with a sunflower. The sunflower is an internationally recognized symbol for non-visible impairments.
Uber Arena staff and other visitors can use the symbol to anticipate that these people may need a little more time or help and offer assistance if necessary.
The service is aimed at all people who feel permanently or temporarily restricted - whether physically or mentally. This includes dementia, autism and epilepsy as well as acute pain (for example after an operation) or anxiety disorders.
Identification badges will be issued free of charge at Entrance 2, Entrance 9 or at checkroom 204 of the Uber Arena. No proof of identity is required.
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What are non-visible impairments?
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Just because you can't see something doesn't mean it's not there. What all invisible or hidden impairments have in common is that they are not immediately recognizable to outsiders. This is often a major challenge for people with invisible impairments. They find it difficult to move from one place to another. It is particularly difficult to navigate through rooms or places with lots of people, such as airports.
The spectrum of non-visible limitations is broad. These include Parkinson's disease, ADHD, autism and cognitive impairments. Examples of the latter include learning difficulties, dyslexia and dementia. It also includes mental illnesses, anxiety disorders and speech and visual impairments or hearing loss. Respiratory diseases, chronic conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, chronic pain) and sleep disorders are also affected. These impairments can significantly restrict daily life. Many people also have a combination of visible and non-visible impairments and illnesses.
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What is the Sunflower initiative?
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The Sunflower lanyard was introduced at London Gatwick Airport in 2016. It serves as a symbol for invisible impairments. With the help of the sunflower symbol, people with invisible impairments are given the opportunity to make the invisible visible. This should make their stay at the airport more pleasant. It should also make traveling easier.
The company “Hidden Disabilities Sunflower” was founded in the UK. It arose from the rapidly growing demand for support for people with invisible disabilities. The company works worldwide to raise awareness of hidden disabilities. It also strives to improve the integration of people with disabilities and impairments.
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Can the sunflower symbol also be used in other places?
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The sunflower is an internationally recognized symbol for invisible impairments. In addition to airports around the world, more and more other companies and institutions are also participating in this program. In Germany, however, it is not yet as widespread as in other parts of the world.
