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«Sunflower Lanyard»
Working together for greater visibility and understanding
The “Hidden Disabilities Sunflower” initiative is dedicated to supporting passengers with invisible disabilities when travelling. From 1 May, BLS will also be part of this initiative.
Invisible disabilities
What is meant by invisible disabilities?
In the case of a person in a wheelchair or someone using a white cane, it is often immediately apparent that they have a disability or illness. However, this applies to only a small proportion of those affected. Around 20 percent of people with disabilities have visible impairments. For the vast majority, the symptoms and effects of physical or chronic illnesses are not apparent at first glance. Invisible disabilities cover a wide range of conditions, including deafness, diseases of the internal organs, depression, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, multiple sclerosis, dementia and migraines.
Travel barriers
Travel challenges for people with invisible disabilities
Travelling often means dealing with many impressions, unfamiliar situations and lots of other people – something that can already be stressful for many. For people on the autism spectrum, as well as for those with mental health or neurological conditions such as anxiety disorders, migraines or chronic pain, this can be particularly challenging. In addition, invisible disabilities are less widely understood in society. As a result, those affected are more likely to face questions or a lack of understanding. This is also evident on public transport: when someone with a clearly visible mobility or visual impairment uses a specially marked seat, fellow passengers usually accept this without question. People with invisible disabilities, by contrast, often have to explain why they are entitled to use it.
Sunflower lanyards at BLS travel centres
To support passengers with invisible disabilities, from 1 May 2026 BLS will be offering the sunflower lanyard free of charge at all travel centres, with no proof of disability required. Depending on the situation, those affected can wear this lanyard to discreetly draw attention to their invisible disability. This enables our staff to respond more effectively to specific needs. Staff in customer-facing roles have received special training for this purpose.
Working together for greater visibility
BLS is a participant in the ‘Hidden Disabilities Sunflower’ initiative. The initiative was launched in 2016 at London Gatwick Airport to support passengers with invisible disabilities whilst travelling. The Sunflower logo is now used by numerous airlines and transport operators worldwide.
It is important to BLS that everyone can use public transport independently and spontaneously. In particular, this includes people with disabilities being able to board and alight from trains independently and access all information at the train station and when on board trains.
