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

[Ineedaholidayagain]

I have an invisible health issue, if I stand up for too long I get vasavagal syncope and I can collapse.
My friend and I are going on a cruise and I'm worried about queuing for the meals, theatres etc. My friend says I should get a sunflower lanyard so people are aware I've got a invisible illness but I think that although they were set up for that people tend to associate them with ASD, ADHD etc and so make the wrong assumption which wouldn't help.
AIBU to think the general perception of sunflower lanyards has changed?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Actually there's the folded and unfolded xx

Thank you all for the advice and opinions, I'm taking a look at all the links. The weather really affects me so im praying it's not too warm (sorry everyone on my cruise), dry and blustery would be lovely.

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.

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.

I don't really see the purpose of wearing it. Surely if need be you can communicate if you need something, and tell them your illness if necessary. Make sure you have reasonable adjustments where you need them on the trip.
If you were abroad, the average stranger on the street probably wouldn't really know what the lanyard represented anyway.
I've many physically and mentally disabled friends and I don't know anyone who wears one.
I think when I saw them at first I thought it meant they were working for a charity?!

I thought they were for dementia, but could be wrong!

They're completely useless.

1. A good proportion of people have no idea what they're meant to signify.
2. Anyone can wear one.
3. They give no indication what the wearer might need help with.

The only thing they achieve is getting curious looks.

My mum wears one so the supermarket staff know she might need help. She’s very very old.

I wear mine (sometimes) because I’m deaf and some days I have mobility and balance issues.

I’ve been on cruises, I’ve never queued for food nor have I queued for the theatre or anything else.

The sunflower lanyard is for anyone that might need a bit of help. It’s not pigeon holed for any particular group.

www.google.co.uk/search?q=sunflower+lanyard+meaning&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari

I’ve been on cruises, I’ve never queued for food nor have I queued for the theatre or anything else.

I'd say this is quite unusual given how many people have them now.

I don’t think a lanyard would help, you need specific adjustments for a specific situation (not having to stand) rather than just needing people to be aware you might need all kinds of unspecified extra help, that you might not be able to tell them about.

I would:
Inform the cruise company beforehand. You will likely have to tell them about emergency evacuation needs anyway, and I imagine there might be more standing around in an emergency.

Inform the staff at dinner the first day, it’s likely to be the same staff every night and they will recognise you, and either usher you straight in on subsequent days or have a chair waiting.

Wait until the last moment to join the queue, you are likely to walk straight in. Or sit nearby while your friend queues, and get her to wave to you when she is at the front.

A special snowflake? Are you actually for real?

Is an access card more what you need?

https://www.accesscard.online/

You need medical evidence for it, but the idea is then it’s “no questions asked” at the venue