December 3rd 2024.
Lego has always been known for its inclusivity and now they are taking it a step further with their latest range of sets. These new sets will feature minifigures wearing Sunflower lanyards, a symbol used in real life to indicate hidden disabilities. When Lego minifigures first appeared 46 years ago, they were very simple with yellow hands and faces and basic colors for their bodies. However, over the years, they have evolved to represent various ethnicities and now, they are also showcasing physical disabilities such as wheelchairs, blindness, and amputations.
But now, Lego is going a step further by introducing minifigures with Sunflower lanyard designs. These lanyards are used in real life to indicate someone with a hidden disability such as autism, anxiety, or dyslexia. The lanyard will not only be featured in their regular Lego System toys but also in their Lego Friends and Duplo lines, catering to different audiences. This initiative has been made possible through a partnership with the British organization Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. By the end of March next year, Lego stores in Europe will also be certified as Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Metro spoke to Martin Moxness, an autistic adult and Sunflower lanyard user who is also an Ambassador for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Moxness is currently working with Lego to raise awareness for non-visible disabilities. He shared his experience of using the Sunflower lanyard, saying that it helps to signify his differences beforehand, so he doesn't have to explain himself to others. He also mentioned how the lanyard can be a helpful tool for those with verbal ticks or other non-visible disabilities.
The Sunflower lanyard will be featured in a variety of sets, including the Duplo set First Time at the Airport, which is aimed at children aged 2+. This set will include a child with a lanyard, a pilot figure, and an airplane. Another set, called the Tudor Corner, features a neurodivergent female character and is highly anticipated among adult fans. It includes a British style inn, a haberdashery, a watchmakers' studio, and the flat where the neurodivergent character lives.
But the inclusivity doesn't stop there, as all 55 Lego factories around the world will be producing Sunflower lanyard characters for these and future sets. Moxness also highlighted the benefits of playing with Lego, mentioning that it can trigger creativity and also be a helpful sensory tool. With the rise of digital entertainment, Lego offers a physical and tactile experience that can be beneficial for many individuals.
Lego is also taking steps to educate their employees about non-visible disabilities. They will be offering free Lego-branded Sunflower lanyards to their employees in Denmark and the UK, along with special training for leaders and online courses for employees to learn more. Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, expressed his excitement for this partnership and the impact it will create, as 1 in every 6 people live with some form of disability and 80% of them have a hidden disability.
The new sets featuring the Sunflower lanyards will be available from January 1, and customers can also customize their own minifigures or create them from scratch at select Lego stores. With this initiative, Lego is not only promoting inclusivity but also spreading awareness and acceptance for non-visible disabilities.
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