NoFit State Circus is proud to be joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, to help support and raise awareness of those living with an invisible disability.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme supports people with disabilities that may not be so obvious to the casual observer. Many people with a disability use or carry something – whether that’s a wheelchair, guide dog, hearing aid or white cane – that visibly indicates what the disability might be. But other disabilities, such as autism, dementia, mental health issues or learning difficulties, are not so obvious. Under the Hidden Disability Sunflower scheme, people with invisible disabilities can choose to wear a lanyard bearing a Sunflower logo as a subtle way of letting others know that they may require additional support, assistance, or a bit more time.
We are welcoming those who wear the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower into our circus training space, outreach work and Big Top performances - really anywhere you might come into contact with us. In turn, this will allow Sunflower wearers to get more support from our staff on their visit.
“We strive to make our spaces welcoming and accessible to everybody and if the Sunflower can help us give that little bit extra care or attention where it is needed to give someone a better experience, then we are delighted to participate.
Circus can be joyful and uplifting, yet poignant and poetic, and is enjoyed by so many different people of all ages. We see circus as the most accessible art form and we are dedicated to making it even more so.”
Tom Rack, Artistic Director, NoFit State Circus
“NoFit State Circus are the first circus to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and we couldn’t be more delighted. The projects they offer and their ethos around inclusivity really chime with the Sunflower’s values. Whether you're going to a Big Top performance or joining in with a workshop, they will ensure that a fantastic time is had by all.”
Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
We are making Sunflower lanyards, pins, badges and bracelets available to customers and colleagues with invisible disabilities, we will have them on the counter when you come to visit us in our circus training space at Four Elms or inside our Big Top tent, just ask us if you would like one. We have also trained our staff to give them a better understanding of how to support customers with invisible disabilities and they will be happy to help you on your visit if you would like.
“This is such a great scheme to help raise awareness around invisible disabilities and to help our work meet the needs of a wider range of people. Invisible disabilities are more common than we might realise, and it’s important that everybody is made to feel welcome and that they will be listened to.
Increasing access to participation helps to democratise the arts – as well as allowing more people to enjoy the benefits it can provide for their well-being, life skills, self-knowledge, and personal development.
Better accessibility is also important because diversity in all areas of the arts drives innovation, creativity and the creation of meaningful work. By striving for broader representation, we can develop our understanding of both each other and the world around us, and begin to use this knowledge to challenge the status quo.”
Kate Parry, Community Programme Manager, NoFit State Circus
By joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, we hope to make everyone’s visit to the circus as welcoming, enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Find out more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme at hiddendisabilitiesstore.com or watch the short video below:
