Hidden Disabilities Sunflower shines a light
Rochelle Higgins is a Commercial Executive in the Enterprise organisation at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). When Rochelle’s son Jonah was three years old, he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Wanting to understand what Jonah’s life had in store for him, Rochelle sought to learn more about neurodiversity and the lived experience of people with hidden impairments. Since non-visible conditions can be difficult for others to grasp, the level of support needed is often misunderstood.
Rochelle and her family experienced this first-hand. With Jonah’s unique needs, they often faced challenges in busy, public areas, or when travelling. “It was challenging to go out without the judgement of others. People looked at us as if we had a naughty child because Jonah’s behaviour is typical of children with ASD, like hand-flapping, avoiding pavement cracks, or absconding,” explains Rochelle.
In seeking to understand the shared experience of other families, Rochelle discovered that 51% of autistic people and their families feel socially isolated, and 39% feel unable to leave the house due to concerns about negative behaviour.
Advocating for those with hidden disabilities
As Rochelle learned more, her drive to support Jonah and others with ASD grew. She sought to contribute to support networks and champion inclusivity and equity through more inclusive environments.
“Workplaces need to be accommodating and inclusive, to allow people with hidden disabilities to access a wider range of job opportunities rather than just entry level. I want to be an advocate for my son, our neurodiverse colleagues, customers, and other neurodiverse members of our community, but also for their carers,” says Rochelle.
During a customer visit, she discovered the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (HDS) initiative, launched in the UK in 2016 and now active in 16 countries. This program uses the easily recognisable sunflower symbol on lanyards, pins, or wristbands to make hidden disabilities visible, signalling that the wearer may need extra time, support, or understanding. It covers various conditions, including neurological, cognitive, physical, and sensory challenges.
The HDS symbol is designed to foster understanding, patience, and empathy towards those wearing it, and is becoming more recognised in a wide variety of sectors. Airports have led the way, and transport, retail and corporate environments are also using the symbol.
Rochelle began using the sunflower lanyard regularly with Jonah. It made a big difference in their lives, helping them navigate public spaces with more ease and with greater understanding from others. “Using the sunflower symbol lanyard made an enormously positive impact on our confidence in the community, especially when out and about or travelling with Jonah. It gave us that cloak of confidence to know others could see there’s something else going on and to treat us with patience, acceptance and grace for what we’re going through,” reflects Rochelle.
Creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace
Rochelle felt supported at Microsoft to share her experience with ASD, and sharing Jonah’s story encouraged colleagues to open up about their own. Inspired by Microsoft’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, she seized the opportunity for Microsoft ANZ to become the first global technology company to adopt the program for its employees.
Every employee has a Diversity and Inclusion Core Priority tied to ANZ’s Vision to foster an inclusive culture. With full support from the Disability at Microsoft ANZ Employee Resource Group (ERG) and the company, Rochelle integrated this initiative into her Vision Core Priority. Her goal is to explore how Microsoft and its technology can promote disability inclusion internally, with customers, and in the community.
How to become a sunflower supporter
To become ‘sunflower friendly,’ Microsoft ANZ employees can complete a short training video to earn a virtual sunflower badge for social media or email signatures. Allyship is encouraged through white 'supporter' lanyards that signal you’ve completed the training, available at office receptions alongside wearer lanyards. The HDS symbol is also displayed on office screens to ensure visitors with invisible conditions feel welcomed and supported.
Rochelle’s work has led to Microsoft ANZ becoming a more understanding, supportive and inclusive environment for people living with hidden disabilities. She is one person. One mother. One employee. It’s a reminder of the power of sharing lived experiences to help educate others and create an inclusive environment for all.
Click here for more information on Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.