Hidden Disabilities card, with the wording, 'I have Parkinson's' and 'I may have difficulty communicating with you and may be unsteady on my feet. Please be patient, I can hear and understand you' designed by Tabbers Limited, part of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, 2021

Parkinson’s is a long-term neurological condition which has over 40 symptoms including stiffness, tremor, and slowness of movement. It covers a range of conditions and affects everyone differently. The movement symptoms experienced by some people with Parkinson’s are caused by brain cells that are unable to create enough dopamine, the chemical that cells use to communicate with each other.

Launched at Gatwick airport in 2016, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a symbol that people can choose to wear indicating that they may need additional assistance, space, or time. Partners in the scheme include supermarkets, travel hubs, and the NHS. The sunflower was chosen as a distinctive and easily recognisable sign. The Scheme’s website states “we chose a sunflower as it suggests happiness, positivity, strength as well as growth and confidence.” Wearing the sunflower symbol is an individual choice.