AIBU to be in two minds about wearing a sunflower lanyard lanyard

Walking stick? I've never heard of a sunflower lanyard until this post and wouldn't even know it signals anything if I saw it.

Not the same as my mum has a very visible disability revolving around her balance following a stroke. She looks fine until she gets up to walk anywhere and then she’s very unsteady and needs a wide berth to avoid being toppled over.
When she goes into London for work she takes a stick with her, partially for her balance but also it’s a visual clue for those around her to perhaps walk a little further away. People are more mindful with a physical sign. I think a lanyard could be overlooked and I would recommend either a chair or a stick. And asking your friend to maybe queue for you both and letting you know when it’s nearly time and you can join her (with stick) so people can see you have trouble and aren’t just jumping a queue.

Actually there's the folded and unfolded xx

On the amazon link provided here's the details you wanted. It says it weighs 1.28lbs /580g

Yes this is true actually.

Plus it's difficult to spot the sunflowers if the wearer is wearing a Summery dress or top.

It all just sort of blends in.

I don't even notice lanyards tbh. So many people wear them for work, college, even school id cards that they barely register with me anymore.

If it’s a Disney cruise (guess with ref to loungefly bag) then for your dinner times just go slightly later no line. Avoid buffets you can have table service breakfast and lunch usually no wait. Shows get there early. Sunflower lanyards are a uk thing I think.

The thing was with the sunflower lanyards was the fact that people started selling them and anyone could get their hands on them, wear one if you want to but personally it would make more sense for you to use a wheelchair especially if you are at risk of collapse.

Eg like this www.superdrug.com/health/independent-living/out-and-about/aidapt-folding-seat-cane/p/804297

Unfortunately I think many people think of the sunflower lanyard as a sign of a special snowflake these days, and it wouldn't let people know that you have that condition. The cruise company will definitely be able to help you if you ring up and explain, they will have something in place for people who cannot stand for long periods.

I can’t stand for long, and have two autistic kids.

They wear the sunflower lanyards/bracelets to let people know they might need some extra help/time, but we’ve never been offered a chance to skip a queue or wait somewhere else or anything like that because of their lanyards.

I use a stick sometimes anyway and have definitely found that if I’m using that for support when standing people will ask if I need help/a seat, it’s a really useful visual cue.

You can get a type of walking stick that folds out into a small seat, that may help, the really tiny fold up seats are so low I find it hard to get down into them!

Cruises are full of people with disabilities and physical issues, mostly because of the number of old people that go on them. I’ve seen lots of people with those little push along trollies, walking sticks etc, but I’ve never seen anyone push to the front of a queue. I’m sure the cruise company will assist in answering your question. You’re likely to get some resistance to you going to the front of queues.

The sunflower lanyard is for any invisible disability. On their website they have examples of other conditions than just ND. I think it sounds like a good idea for you to wear one and if you find you don't feel comfortable you don't have to wear it all the time.

Yeah I get that but in reality the 'lanyard' queue may still involve a long time queuing.

That's why I think the OP should buy a portable chair.

If you're exhausted by standing why not see if you can hire a wheelchair on the ship for your holiday? You don't need to use it all the time or stay in it but why not make life easier for you and your friend? then you won't need to worry about waiting etc.

What about a rollator with a seat? Mine has been invaluable as I frequently need to sit with only a minutes notice plus it explains to those who might be judging (and maybe not understanding any lanyard) that you have a health condition.

I wouldn't wear a lanyard in the circumstances, it wouldn't achieve anything. People won't want to ask why you're wearing it so you won't get other guests telling you to go ahead of them.

You'll need to contact the cruise company and ask what they do for guests who can't stand for extended periods. I'm pretty sure this is something they have to consider for multiple people on every single ship that goes out, so there'll be something they put in place if you let them know in advance.

Well as a customer, I'd be more than happy for however many lanyard wearers that needed to go in front of me, to go in front of me. A lot of places recognise this and allow people to skip the queue, you know because they actually need it.

Suggest that you take a collapsible walking stick with you
This sometimes helps employees to offer assistance to move you to the front of queues via a visual queue
Or to offer you a seat

You can wear the landward as well

There doesn't have to be specifics though. So you have an illness that affects x y z it's fine to contact them and say that.

Look at the bloke's hand when you click the link.

It's about the size of an umbrella.

I agree with you Covid did the meaning of them no favours and I think people don't see them as intended sometimes.

I'm not sure but it's pretty doubtful she'll be able to go to the top of every queue, just because she's bought a lanyard?

I mean it would probably depend on how many other lanyard wearers there are at the time.

Much better to help herself and bring a light, portable chair.