Shire backs global initiative recognising hidden disabilities

THE Surf Coast Shire has introduced a new initiative across its Maternal Child and Family Health Services to better support people living with hidden disabilities.

The council launched the internationally recognised Hidden Disability Sunflower program last week, as part of its International Day of People with Disability activities.

The program uses sunflower lanyards as a communication tool, offering a way for the wearer to voluntarily share, without words in public situations, that they have an invisible disability or condition and might need a little more support or time.

The Shire will roll out the program at six local services: the Torquay Children’s Hub, Anglesea Kindergarten, Lorne Community House, Moriac Preschool, Winchelsea Community House, and Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre in Torquay.

Cr Leon Walker said the initiative is a “simple and intuitive way to make the invisible visible”.

“We are proud to be offering this new level of understanding, response and inclusion,” he said.

“Sunflower lanyards will be available for families and carers to use at council’s maternal child and family health services, and staff will be educated about ways they can respond to wearers – maybe just recognising that interactions might take a little more time, or might require use of a quiet space.”

Research shows 90 per cent of disabilities and chronic health conditions – including sensory processing difficulties, hearing and vision loss, respiratory disorders, and mental health issues – are not clearly visible.

The Hidden Disability Sunflower program began in England in 2016 and has since launched in more than 300 airports and been adopted by businesses across the globe from every sector, including railway networks, healthcare and education.