By Staff
June 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) works to enhance the downtown experience for all its many residents and visitors, we are thrilled to introduce The Green Lanyard Project.
Green lanyard with badge holder
This newly launched program works by freely issuing a green lanyard to business owners and staff, patrons and visitors of our downtown. The use of this lanyard is to signal to others that the wearer of the lanyard (or a member of their party) has an invisible atypical ability. This suggests they may need more time, more patience and more empathy as they navigate their environment.
So why a green lanyard? Green is often seen as the colour that most widely represents mental health. It also provides a gentle and comforting nod to neurodivergent community members as well.
What does neurodiversity mean?
Great question! As education is a great first step to breaking down barriers and building understanding, let’s talk about it! Neurodiversity is medical framework designed to consider and understand the human brain within sensory processing, motor abilities, social comfort, cognition, and focus as neurobiological differences. Autism Spectrum Disorder ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, Dyspraxia, Synesthesia, Dyscalculia, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, and chronic mental health illnesses such as Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression.
How does the program work? Starting June 20th, you will be able to submit a request to the BIA for a lanyard, for free, which will then be mailed to you, to use at your discretion. The lanyard can then be worn when visiting and exploring our downtown. Through a series of community and public education pieces, our downtown businesses will remain as they are, providing you with the incredible hospitality and warmth our community is known for – we’re just adding a touch of green! Lanyards also proudly feature a BDBA branded pin, complete with emergency release mechanism. Lanyards will take 7 to 10 business days from day of request to arrival.
The Green Lanyard Project was developed in partnership with Stefanie Peachey, Peachey Counselling and Family Support. Our dual commitment to this program, along with the support we have received from our small businesses, clearly demonstrates that your BIA is working to make our community more accessible, inclusive, and comfortable for those in need.
For more information, please visit https://burlingtondowntown.ca/thegreenlanyardproject/
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