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The following text has been machine translated from the German with no human editing.
Since its launch in the UK in 2016, the Sunflower programme has established itself internationally. The sunflower on a green background is now recognised worldwide as a symbol that makes invisible disabilities, illnesses and chronic conditions visible – because not every disability is apparent at first glance. By introducing the sunflower symbol, the University is adopting a simple yet effective way of discreetly signalling a need for support.
“For us, inclusion means recognising and supporting all members of our university in their diversity. By introducing the Sunflower symbol, we are creating a low-threshold service that promotes understanding and helps those affected to make their need for support visible – without saying much. In this way, we are making a further important contribution to an open, respectful and supportive community on our campus,” says University President Ludger Santen.
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 Programme, Saarland University (UdS) is making this commitment visible and sending a clear signal for diversity, respect and an appreciative community.
Michael Töller, Regional Sales Director for Germany, says: “We are delighted to announce Saarland University as the first higher education institution in Germany to support the Sunflower programme. The Sunflower programme promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities and ensures that all students have equal access to education, enabling them to fulfil their full potential and enjoy their studies.”
The official launch will take place at the University’s ‘Open Campus’ on 12 June as part of Diversity Weeks at Saarland University. The annual series of events brings together activities centred on diversity, equal opportunities and participation, creates space for exchange and provides targeted impetus for a university culture sensitive to discrimination.
About the Sunflower Network:
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a global programme supporting people with invisible disabilities, illnesses and chronic conditions, which was launched in the UK in 2016 and is now recognised in over 95 countries. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower helps thousands of organisations, including more than 340 airports and 31 airlines, to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities. The discreet, voluntary use of the Sunflower symbol signals the need for support.
Official website: https://hdsunflower.com/de
Media enquiries: chantal(at)hdsunflower.com
contact:
Estelle Klein-Frey, Head of the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Management Unit at Saarland University
Tel.: 0681 302-5028
Mail: estelle.klein-frey(at)uni-saarland.de