Some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others. For some people, this can make it hard to understand and believe that someone, with a ‘non-visible” condition genuinely needs support. Some people question whether you have a disability because you don’t look ‘like you have a disability”.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was created to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding. Wearers indicate that they may be in need of assistance, through a visible Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, batch or pin. This program is international and growing in Australia, with partners including Libraries, Councils, Public Transport Victoria, Westfield, Melbourne Museum and many other businesses. It is great to see so many libraries on the map already, but there could be many more.
Businesses and organisations join the program to extend diversity and inclusion initiatives, increase customer loyalty, enhance employee well-being and productivity and strengthen their reputation as a socially responsible brand. The annual membership fee provides organisations with:
- Full Sunflower training for all staff
- An Implementation Plan to roll out the program
- Listed on the Sunflower map for wearers to discover
Currently in Victoria, the following Councils are subscribers:
- Ballarat
- Bayside
- Boroondara
- Casey
- Glen Eira
- Greater Dandenong
- Kingston
- Latrobe
- Melbourne
- Merri-bek
- Monash
- Moonee Valley
- Moyne
- Mornington Peninsula
- Port Phillip
- Stonnington
- Whitehorse (via Aqualink)
- Wodonga
If your Council has subscribed and your library has not been involved in the rollout, I encourage you to follow up with your Council.
If your Council is not listed, I encourage you to check out this slide deck and their website at https://hdsunflower.com/au/ and consider becoming a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme.