05/02/2026
This is our SIMNI President. Looking a little apprehensive, isn't she? If you know Kassandra Behrendt, you know that THIS? is NOT her usual bubbly selfies!
Our SIMNI President is travelling to an appointment via train, full carriage, feeling a little tired, she sat in the ‘disability’ allocated seating.
Brisbane trains have only a handful of priority seats per carriage. The tricky part is this, there are signs for ‘Disability Priority Seating’, but not much that clearly says ‘Invisible disabilities’ count too.
So, as you can see, just like many people living with an invisible disability, she is feeling like an imposter! Because she LOOKS fine right? And THAT’s the challenge with invisible disabilities…we LOOK fine but inside our bodies...there is a painful battle raging on.
Although Kassandra is wearing the SUNFLOWER LANYARD (which is the internationally recognised symbol for invisible disabilities), she is feeling very self-conscious, and just waiting for one of her fellow commuters to give her THAT look, right? Or worse, challenge her with - “Excuse me, that seat is reserved for people with a disability who actually NEED to sit down!” 😳
Public awareness of INVISIBLE DISABILITIES and the SUNFLOWER LANYARD is low.
THAT's why OUR MISSION at SIMNI is to raise public awareness on the ACCESSIBILITY challenges faced daily by people living with an invisible disability.
We may LOOK fine, but many of us are most definitely NOT fine! And the SUNFLOWER LANYARD is a quiet way of saying: “I can look fine and still need understanding, support and a seat!”
So here is our gentle reminder: disability does not always look like a wheelchair. Sometimes it looks like Kassandra, trying to get from A to B, while retaining as many of her ‘SPOONS’ as possible.
If you want to learn more about accessibility for all abilities (visible and invisible), come to our SIMNI 2026 IWD High Tea & Community Inspiration Awards, 1 March 2026.
👉 Tickets: https://bit.ly/4pThpt7
Looking forward to welcoming you!
SIMNI Team
