LEGO® House focuses on invisible disabilities
As of the 1st of June 2021, people with invisible disabilities who visit LEGO® House can choose to wear the Sunflower lanyard if they want to signal to employees that they may need extra time, understanding, patience or help during their visit.
Visiting tourist attractions can be stressful for people with an invisible disability such as autism, Alzheimer's, anxiety, mental health conditions, chronic pain, ADHD or PTSD. That is why LEGO House is joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, which simply means that a company trains their staff to understand how to best ensure that people with invisible disabilities and their families enjoy a good experience, just like everyone else.
By taking the Sunflower training, employees gain an understanding of what an invisible disability is and how they can best support people who may need extra time, patience or help. The Sunflower lanyard ensures that people with invisible disabilities do not have to explain themselves or justify their needs in situations where anxiety, stress, confusion or the need for help can be a factor.
LEGO House paves the way for other companies to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme.
LEGO House’s interest in Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, the organisation behind the Sunflower lanyard, suggests that Denmark is ready for the Sunflower lanyard to spread in the same way as it has in many other countries. For example, in the UK, public transport providers, supermarket chains, hospitals, concert venues and amusement parks actively support accessibility for, and inclusion of, people with invisible disabilities through their participation in the Sunflower Scheme.
From LEGO House, Sanne Louise Forsberg Hansen, Head of People and Culture, says: “It is very close to us to ensure inclusion and accessibility for all. We already have a good relationship with the National Autism Institute and the National Autism Association to ensure that people with autism can prepare their visit in the best possible way. The Sunflower is just such a fine solution that can take our work with inclusion to completely new heights. Our employees get some concrete tools and the guests know that they are welcome and we really want to do our best, no matter what challenges they may have.”
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower says: “The interest from LEGO House shows that there may also be other Danish companies that are be ready to include people with invisible disabilities as an important customer segment. We are therefore opening a Danish Sunflower website. In addition, following the interest from LEGO House, we have asked Stine Ringvig Marsal, who introduced the Sunflower at Copenhagen Airport, for help in ensuring that companies that want to join have a local contact person who can advise on how to become part of the Sunflower Scheme”.
The Knowledge Center on Disability are enthusiastic: “If you have an invisible disability, there is no doubt that it gives peace of mind to know that employees know what an invisible disability is and are trained to support Sunflower wearers visit attractions and supermarkets. We hope that many other companies will be inspired and also embrace the Sunflower.” says Dorte Nørregaard, Head of the Knowledge Center on Disability.
When I introduced the Sunflower lanyard in Copenhagen Airport, it was incredibly well received from the users. Also, our employees were thrilled. Partly because they felt they were now equipped to deal with situations that had previously left them feeling slightly insecure. Their enthusiasm, however, also had to do with the fact that people with hidden disabilities was not just our customers. Everyone knows someone who struggles with something that no one can see. We even had employees who, after 19 years of employment, suddenly dared to tell their colleagues that they were dyslexic or were living with ADHD. It is really amazing that an organization like LEGO House goes all in on the Sunflower. It is going to mean so much for so many and I cannot wait to work closely with LEGO House to get the most out of their Sunflower engagement. says Regional Director, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Stine Ringvig Marsal.
The Sunflower lanyard offers no special benefits, other than that it is a signal to the employees that here is a person who may need extra consideration, time, patience or help. Wearing a Sunflower lanyard is optional. The Sunflower lanyard will be handed out for free from 1 June 2021, to guests who request it at LEGO House Information or shop.
For further comments or information, contact:
Sanne Louise Forsberg Holm, Head of People and Culture, LEGO House: 52 34 79 38
Dorte Nørregaard, Head, Knowledge Center on Disability: 40 92 27 64
Stine Ringvig Marsal, Regional Director, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: 53 77 43 45
