Law
Published: July 30, 2024 | Updated: 30th July 2024
An initiative which aims to raise awareness for people with invisible disabilities is being adopted by Southampton law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD).
The globally-recognised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (HDS) is a tool for anyone who wants to indicate that they may need extra support or help, extra time and patience, understanding and kindness.
WBD’s Disability Network led the launch of the initiative, which sees WBD become only the 4th law firm in the UK to adopt the Sunflower.
The firm’s people have undertaken training about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and been offered Sunflower products where they can choose to indicate that they have a non-visible disability or long term condition, or that they are a supporter of Sunflower wearers.
Michelle Essen, Legal Director and Chair of the WBD Disability Network, pictured left, said: “Rolling out the Sunflower across our business is crucial to enhancing accessibility for everyone at WBD as well as everyone we interact with on a day-to-day basis.
“The Sunflower is a great way of making everyone feel included without having to offer explanations or justifications, and without judgement.
“The feedback has been amazing – we have dedicated Sunflower Champions in each of our offices, and wearers of both the Sunflower and I Support Sunflower say that open and constructive conversations are being sparked about disability, long term conditions and neurodiversity.”
Laura Tokell, Senior HR Project Executive and WBD Disability Network member, added: “WBD Disability Network has been working extremely hard to make the firm more accessible for our people, clients and visitors, so when exploring the HDS membership we knew signing up would be another step in the right direction.
“Following the roll-out of training across the business, the response has been really positive.
“We have also introduced this as part of our induction, so it becomes a standard for everyone in the business.
“The HDS membership is vital and will form part of our broader DEI work around becoming a more inclusive business.”
Paul White, CEO, for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “We are delighted that Womble Bond Dickinson has become a Sunflower-friendly law firm.
“Embedding the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower into the induction process demonstrates that disability inclusion is at the forefront WBDs employment practices.
“The Sunflower acts as a simple and effective tool to begin important discussions in the workplace to ensure that everyone is heard and included, and importantly supported.”
WBD achieved Disability Confident Leader status earlier this year – the highest accreditation in the government scheme – being one of only five UK law firms to have achieved this.
In 2024, WBD’s Disability Network has been shortlisted for various awards at the British Diversity Awards, the Legal 500 ESG Awards, and the upcoming Diversity Network Awards.
