Sunflower lanyards will be handed out at maternal child and family health services across Surf Coast Shire to support people with hidden disabilities.
Surf Coast Shire Council adopted the Hidden Disability Sunflower program across the shire as part of its International Day of People with Disabilities activities.
Councillor Leon Walker said sunflower lanyards communicated to others that the wearer had an invisible disability or condition and may need a little more support or time.
“Sunflower lanyards will be available for families and carers to use at Council’s Maternal Child and Family Health Services,” he said.
“The Hidden Disability Sunflower is such a simple and intuitive way to make the invisible visible…and we are proud to be offering this new level of understanding, response and inclusion.
“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.”
Cr Walker said 90 per cent of disabilities and chronic health conditions were not clearly visible, including sensory processing difficulties, chronic pain and mental health issues.
The program is being rolled out at Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre Torquay, Torquay Children’s Hub, Anglesea Kindergarten, Lorne Community House, Moriac Preschool and Winchelsea Community House.
The Hidden Disability Sunflower program is also currently in use at places such as airports, railway stations and the MCG.
Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IDPWD for more information about International Day of People with Disability and the Hidden Disability Sunflower program.
