The Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Philip Brady has called on the local authority to raise awareness for people with hidden disabilities. The Fianna Fail councillor wants to see the roll out of Sunflower Lanyards across the county which would alert the likes of retail staff that a person has a hidden disability.
Some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others. For some people, this can make it hard to understand and believe that someone, with a “non-visible” condition genuinely needs support.
Some people question whether you have a disability because you don’t look ‘like you have a disability". That is why the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was created and also to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding. The motion received unanimous support from all the members of the council and Cllr Aine Smith said that the initiative comes down to people being aware and education was key.
Cllr TP O'Reilly said that patience and respect should be afforded to everyone within our society and that these lanyards would strive to help with people living with a hidden disability. Cllr Brady says this simple tool could benefit a lot of people that may live, work or visit the county.
