Lanyard scheme in Caithness to create a better understanding of hidden disabilities
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A new initiative in Caithness is seeking to promote a greater understanding of the hidden disabilities many people face when out in the community.
Distinctive lanyards featuring a sunflower motif are being made available to individuals who have conditions such as hearing loss or sight loss or who are exempt from wearing a mask.
The idea is that by wearing one of the instantly recognisable green-and-yellow straps, each of which has a badge attached, they can be confident that they will receive help and support if needed.
Hearing and Sight Care, working with and funded by Caithness Disabled Access Panel, purchased lanyards and badges that represent different disabled groups. Posters are being distributed to local shops and service providers highlighting their use.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme has been adopted by supermarkets and other shops, major airports, railway stations and leisure facilities around the UK.
Hearing and Sight Care supports people with hearing loss and sight loss across the far north from its offices in Wick and Thurso.
Manager Deirdre Aitken said: "We are hoping that by offering these lanyards to those people in the community who need additional help when shopping or using public services, service providers will identify them and offer help or assistance to those wearing them.
"The wearing of masks and social distancing has affected a lot of people in a negative way. For example, people with hearing loss or visual impairment are not always able to identify a voice saying 'next' or 'over here'.
"Signage that is handwritten or of a small font is hard to identify and follow the instructions.
"The closure of public toilets and access to open toilets has been difficult for some people who have to access these facilities quickly, and has also led to people not going out due to the lack of facilities available.
"Some people are unable to wear masks due to underlying conditions and, while restrictions are lifting in relation to social distancing, the wearing of masks is required for the foreseeable future."
Mrs Aitken says the lanyard scheme is about raising awareness and encouraging people to be more sympathetic.
"Our groups want to promote the sunflower lanyard in the community to give our members the confidence that they can go out and will receive support and help if required," she said.
"The badges we have represent hearing loss, sight loss, exemption from wearing a mask, a general card for people with hidden disabilities and one with five different icons on – hearing loss, sight loss, toilet access, seating required and wheelchair access needed.
"We would ask that shopkeepers, service providers and the general public are sympathetic to someone wearing this lanyard and badge, whatever their disability or needs may be."
Helen Budge, chairperson of Caithness Disabled Access Panel, said: “I am delighted that this is happening. It's about people being kind to those who cannot wear face masks.
“As a disabled access panel we have to promote this. They are very prominent, and they are for disabled people who need to wear them – they are not just being handed out.”
The lanyards and badges will be available from the Hearing and Sight Care centres in Wick and Thurso, and from customer services at the Tesco stores in both towns.
Wick services are currently run from Caithness Voluntary Group at Telford House in Williamson Street, open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10am and 2pm, and in Thurso at 9 Riverside Place, open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, also between 10am and 2pm.
