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Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Saarland University is sending a strong message in support of inclusion: It is the first German university to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network, thereby reaffirming its commitment to providing targeted support to students, faculty, and staff with invisible disabilities.
Since its launch in Great Britain in 2016, the Sunflower program has gained international recognition. Today, the sunflower on a green background is recognized worldwide as a symbol that raises awareness of invisible disabilities, illnesses, and chronic health conditions—because not every impairment is apparent at first glance. By adopting the sunflower symbol, Saarland University is embracing a simple yet effective way to discreetly signal a need for support.
Inclusion is a central component of modern universities and enables all students and staff to participate on an equal footing—regardless of individual circumstances.
Through its commitment to the Sunflower Program, the UdS makes this commitment visible and sends a clear message of diversity, respect, and mutual appreciation.
“For us, inclusion means recognizing and supporting all members of our university in all their diversity. By introducing the Sunflower symbol, we are creating a low-barrier initiative that promotes understanding and helps those affected make their need for support visible—without having to say much. In this way, we are making another important contribution to an open, respectful, and supportive community on our campus,” says University President Prof. Dr. Ludger Santen.
Michael Töller, Regional Sales Director for Germany, says: “We are very pleased to announce Saarland University as the first Sunflower-supporting university in Germany. The Sunflower program promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities and ensures that all students have equal access to education, so they can reach their full potential and enjoy their studies.”
Information for university members
- All information about Sunflower products, services, and training opportunities related to the launch of the Sunflower program at Saarland University can be found on the intranet page of the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Management Unit (CDM).
- Those interested can contact the Diversity Office of the CDM at diversity[at]uni-saarland.de.
About the Sunflower Network
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a global program designed to support people with invisible disabilities, medical conditions, and chronic illnesses. It was launched in Great Britain in 2016 and is now recognized in over 95 countries. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower helps thousands of organizations—including more than 340 airports and 31 airlines—promote the inclusion of people with disabilities.
The discreet, voluntary use of the sunflower symbol signals the need for assistance.