Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in Poland

Autistic Adults on Tour Foundation – Official Partner of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in Poland

The Autistic Adults on Tour Foundation is the official partner of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program in Poland – an internationally recognized symbol for people with invisible disabilities. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple, discreet, and globally recognized sign that helps people with invisible disabilities let those around them know they may need more time, understanding, patience, or extra support.

Not every disability is visible. Many people face daily challenges that aren’t apparent at first glance – these can include autism, ADHD, neurological conditions, chronic illnesses, sensory and mental health conditions, metabolic disorders, hearing and vision impairments, and other conditions that affect everyday life. The Sunflower gives these individuals a way to communicate their needs without having to explain themselves, disclose a diagnosis, or share their personal story with strangers.

Why does the Sunflower matter?

People with invisible disabilities often encounter misunderstanding, judgment, or impatience. Because their challenges aren’t visible, others may wrongly assume they don’t need any help.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower changes this. The distinctive sunflower symbol on a green background signals to staff, service providers, and people in public spaces that someone may need calmer communication, clear instructions, more time, help navigating a space, or simply a kind and patient approach.
This isn’t a privilege. It’s a tool for building accessibility, empathy, and safety.

Our role in Poland

As the official partner of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in Poland, the Autistic Adults on Tour Foundation works to raise awareness of the program and support its adoption in public spaces, institutions, businesses, organizations, and venues across culture, education, transportation, healthcare, retail, and services.
Our goal is for people with invisible disabilities to be able to use services, travel, shop, work, learn, and take part in community life with a greater sense of safety, dignity, and understanding.
We support organizations that want to become Sunflower-friendly spaces. We help them understand what invisible disabilities are, how to communicate with people wearing the Sunflower symbol, and how to create an environment that is more accessible and welcoming for everyone.

Who is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower for?

The program is designed for people whose disability, illness, or specific needs aren’t immediately apparent to those around them.
The Sunflower can be worn by anyone who wants to discreetly signal that they may need extra support. Wearing the symbol is voluntary. A person wearing the Sunflower is under no obligation to disclose their diagnosis or explain why they use it.
It’s an especially valuable tool for people who experience sensory overload, communication difficulties, anxiety, disorientation, fatigue, pain, or challenges with concentration, mobility, or other issues that aren’t visible from the outside.

For businesses and institutions

Joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is a tangible step toward accessibility and social responsibility.
Businesses, institutions, and organizations that recognize the Sunflower symbol show that they are ready to notice the needs of people with invisible disabilities and respond to them with respect.
By taking part in the program, an organization can:

• increase the accessibility of its services,
• raise awareness among its staff,
• improve the quality of service for customers and visitors,
• build a culture of empathy and inclusion,
• create a safer environment for people with invisible disabilities,
• strengthen its ESG, DEI, and corporate social responsibility efforts.
  
  The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower isn’t just about wearing a symbol. Above all, it’s about a shift in awareness and in how we respond to one another.

A foundation built on experience

The Autistic Adults on Tour Foundation was created out of a need to provide real support to autistic adults and people with invisible disabilities. Our work grows out of direct experience, daily contact with people whose needs often go unnoticed, and the conviction that accessibility begins with understanding the person.
That’s why bringing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to Poland is more than just a project for us. It’s part of our mission: building a world where a person with an invisible disability doesn’t have to fight to be seen, to be given patience, and to be treated with respect.

Let’s work together

We invite businesses, public institutions, organizations, schools, universities, medical facilities, cultural venues, sports and transportation hubs, and retail and service providers — anyone who wants to become more welcoming to people with invisible disabilities — to get in touch.

Together, we can make the Sunflower a recognized symbol of support, understanding, and accessibility in Poland.

Contact us if you’d like to implement Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in your organization or learn more about the program.