BCcampus is proud to announce our membership in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, a global initiative supporting people with non-visible disabilities by fostering understanding, inclusion, and accessibility.
Since the Sunflower was established in the UK in 2016, it has been adopted around the globe and is recognized across a broad range of sectors including universities, schools and colleges.
Hidden disabilities – such as neurodivergence, chronic illness, health conditions, learning disabilities, and sensory processing differences – are not always immediately apparent, yet they shape how many people experience learning, work, and public spaces. By joining the Sunflower program, BCcampus is taking another step toward making our work, events, and digital spaces more welcoming and responsive to diverse needs.
How it Works
You’ll begin to see the Sunflower program reflected across BCcampus activities and platforms. If you wish to signal to others that you have a hidden disability, please take a Sunflower lanyard at in-person events, or use a Sunflower virtual background online.
Staff wearing the Sunflower have been trained to respond respectfully and appropriately when support is requested.
Participation in the Sunflower program is always optional. Wearing or displaying the Sunflower does not require disclosure of a diagnosis – it simply signals a preference for understanding and consideration.
Why This Matters
As an organization committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in post-secondary education, we recognize that accessibility is more than physical infrastructure.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower offers a simple, voluntary way for individuals to signal they may benefit from additional time, patience, or support. Just as importantly, it provides a shared framework for organizations and communities to learn, listen, and respond with empathy.
A Step Toward More Inclusive Spaces
We see our membership in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program as one part of a broader commitment to inclusive practices across the post-secondary sector. By modelling awareness and accessibility, we hope to encourage conversations and actions that make learning and collaboration more equitable for everyone.
To learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, visit the official Sunflower website. Download the virtual backgrounds from the BCcampus Sunflower Program page. Any questions? Please reach out to sunflower@bccampus.ca