Virtual Meetings – Ruth Rabet – Hidden Disabilities – 22nd April 21

On Thursday the 22nd April at  7.30pm we were delighted to welcome Ruth Rabét – Business Development Director of The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme Limited. It was a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and discuss members experiences within their own WI’s and in their working and home lives.  Seventy two members attended the event.

Ruth’s passion is to raise awareness about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower among businesses and other organisations and is also responsible for the growing network of global airports that have adopted the Sunflower.

Prior to joining the Hidden Disabilities team, Ruth spent 35 years working in Aviation holding various roles in Airline Operations and Ground Handling, working mainly at Gatwick Airport, but also in other UK airports too. Her final five years were spent managing the Special Assistance Team at Gatwick Airport, during which she played an integral part in creating the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

Ruth told to us about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and why it is important to raise awareness.  1 in 5 people in the UK have a disability and 80% of those have a hidden disability – that’s currently 10 million people.

Hidden disabilities don’t have physical signs and include learning difficulties, mental health as well as mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments. They can also include asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions as well as chronic illnesses such as renal failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders when those diseases significantly impact day-to-day life.

There is no qualifying list of hidden disabilities. If you have a hidden disability and feel that you would benefit from wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower product, please do. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower does not entitle you to anything other than that you have a hidden disability and that you may need some assistance, help, or a little more time. It is NOT a pass to be fast-tracked nor for any other benefit.

Living with these conditions can make daily life more demanding for many people. They affect each person in different ways and can be painful, exhausting, and isolating. Without visible evidence of the hidden disability, it is frequently difficult for others to acknowledge the challenges faced and as a consequence, sympathy and understanding can often be in short supply.

Lanyards, wristbands, visors and button badges are available to show others that you may need extra time or help.

Please have a look at a couple of very short videos:

Mental Health Awareness

Rule of Six – Sunflower Scheme