My Journey to Guernsey: The Power of a Sunflower
My visit to Guernsey was more than a personal journey—it was an opportunity to experience how the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower can support someone travelling with invisible, hidden or non-apparent disabilities.
As co-founder of The Change Coalition and a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower ambassador, I wore the lanyard to test its effectiveness throughout my travels. Although the experience was not perfect, moments of recognition, patience and understanding demonstrated the difference a familiar symbol can make.
Without revealing a diagnosis or personal medical information, the Sunflower quietly communicated that I might need additional time, assistance or compassion.
While touring Guernsey with my longtime friend Brent Homan, we began “sunflower spotting” in shop windows and public spaces. What started as a lighthearted activity became a meaningful reflection on inclusion, dignity, privacy and the courage it can take for someone with a hidden disability to venture beyond familiar surroundings.
Brent captured the significance of this journey in his Guernsey Press article. His words show that the Sunflower is more than a symbol of disability—it represents courage, trust, personal choice and a community willing to respond with kindness.
Read “Brent Homan: The Power of a Sunflower” to discover how one simple symbol helped transform a journey into a powerful lesson about hidden disabilities, dignity and human connection.
Article:
https://guernseypress.com/opinion/2026/08/10/brent-homan-the-power-of-a-sunflower
My visit reinforced why The Change Coalition supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: a simple symbol can help people feel recognized, respected and supported while allowing them to retain control over their private information.
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The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Customer Experience Assessment Matrix is a practical tool for evaluating how effectively an organization recognizes and supports people with invisible, hidden or non-apparent disabilities. It assesses essential areas such as Sunflower recognition, respect, communication, assistance, accessibility, privacy and consistency, helping organizations identify strengths, address service gaps and create a more inclusive, dignified and supportive customer experience.