A lanyard scheme aimed at helping those with hidden disabilities is being abused by people who want to avoid wearing a face mask, according to a disabled woman.
Emily Swiatek has a range of physical and neurological disabilities, including autism and non-epileptic seizures.
It means she is entitled to wear a Sunflower lanyard - this is a scheme for those who have a hidden disability which might not be obvious, but where they are medically exempt from wearing a face mask.
But now that face mask wearing has become mandatory in shops and indoor spaces, the credit card-sized passes are being used by people who do not need one - such as coronavirus conspiracy theorists who refuse to comply with the new rules.
The 33-year-old from Dingle said: "The Sunflower lanyard scheme is being abused by those who do not have any disability but do not want to wear a face mask.
"They are fraudulently getting hold of Sunflower lanyards on false pretexts because it is so easy to get hold of one.
"Non-disabled people should not be abusing the scheme in order to exempt themselves from face-mask wearing. It's insulting."
Emily herself said she had even seen posts about people trying to sell the lanyards for profit.
The Sunflower lanyard scheme is aimed at helping those with learning difficulties, mental health as well as mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments.
Wearing one discreetly indicates to people around them, including staff, colleagues and health professionals, that the person may need additional support, help or a little more time.
