At Go Ape, we believe that adventure should be accessible to everyone. In December 2022, we proudly joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme — a global initiative that helps make invisible disabilities visible, promoting understanding, patience, and support across our sites.
What Is a Hidden Disability?
Around 1 in 7 people worldwide live with a disability, and 80% of these are invisible. Hidden disabilities aren’t always immediately apparent — but they can have a significant impact on daily life.
They include a wide range of conditions, such as:
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Autism, ADHD, or learning differences
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Mental health challenges
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Chronic pain or fatigue
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Sensory loss (hearing, vision, or speech)
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Mobility or coordination difficulties
We’re committed to ensuring every adventurer — visible or not — feels supported, understood, and included.
What Is the Sunflower?
The Sunflower is an internationally recognised symbol for hidden disabilities. Wearing a Sunflower lanyard, bracelet, or badge is a discreet way to let others know that you may need:
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Extra time
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Additional support
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More understanding or space
It’s a simple but powerful reminder that not all disabilities are visible — and that empathy and awareness go a long way.
Why We Support the Scheme
By joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, we’re helping to:
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Increase awareness of hidden disabilities among our teams and visitors
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Encourage inclusivity at every Go Ape location
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Provide free Sunflower merchandise — including stickers, wristbands, and lanyards — for anyone who would like to use them
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Equip our co-owners with Hidden Disability awareness training so they can recognise and support individuals confidently
Every Go Ape site is stocked with Sunflower materials, available free of charge from our cabin teams.
Before Go Ape, I worked as a youth worker specialising in Special Educational Needs. I’m autistic and dyspraxic, and one of the things that drew me to Go Ape was how open and supportive they were. Helping to introduce the Sunflower Scheme has been a real highlight. It makes hidden disabilities visible, helping both adventurers and instructors create a stress-free, enjoyable experience. Jack T – Instructor, Go Ape Matfen
I came across the Sunflower Initiative while looking for training to help my team better support guests with hidden disabilities. Once I started reading, I began noticing Sunflowers everywhere. Having the merchandise at our cabins allows us to recognise customers who may need extra assistance and gives their families reassurance that we’re here to help. Emma S – Activity Manager, Go Ape Leeds Castle
Creating Adventures for Everyone
We’re proud to be part of a movement that recognises, respects, and celebrates everyone’s differences. The Sunflower Scheme is another step in our mission to make Go Ape a place where everyone can live life adventurously.
If you or someone in your group has a hidden disability and would like to use the Sunflower merchandise or discuss accessibility needs before your visit, please get in touch at [email protected] or call 01603 895500.