Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Australia & New Zealand

We love sharing stories like this! 🌻 A big thank you to Perth Airport for creating a supportive and inclusive travel experience for families with hidden disabilities.

We’re thrilled to announce that The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The Royal Women's Hospital have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program! 🌻 The Sunflower initiative supports individuals with disabilities that may not be immediately visible, promoting understanding, empathy, and inclusion. Nurse Midwife Julia, who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), discussed stigmas often associated with hidden disabilities as both a healthcare worker and a patient. “A normal week for me is chronic pain and at least one dislocation, yet nothing wrong shows up on an x-ray. On bad days I’ll use mobility aids, otherwise my disability is completely invisible,” she says. “I often have to advocate for myself because it’s difficult for some people to believe I have a disability unless I’m using my crutches.” “I’m so proud to work at a hospital that recognises the need for programs like these,” Julia adds. “Something as simple as a sunflower can help make disability not just visible, but normal.” A warm welcome to The Royal Melbourne and Royal Women’s hospitals as they join the Sunflower program, helping make healthcare spaces more inclusive. 💛

Take a moment to enjoy this heartwarming video from Kind World Club! 🌻💛 A big thank you to our member Melbourne & Olympic Parks Rod Laver Arena for making a difference and fostering an inclusive space where everyone can enjoy events. 👏

🌻Celebrating Inclusion at SM TAFE🌻 I am incredibly proud to share the launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Australia & New Zealand Program at South Metropolitan TAFE, an initiative that started within the Student Suport Services team and has now become a reality. The launch took place on December 3, International Day for People with Disabilities, highlighting our commitment to being a more inclusive and supportive organisation, helping individuals with hidden disabilities feel recognised, respected, and empowered. The positive reception from our staff and community has been overwhelming, and it’s a testament to the importance of creating environments where everyone feels they belong. A big thank you to my team for their passion and dedication—your involvement made this possible and has been truly inspiring. Let’s continue to find ways to make this world a better, more inclusive place. 🌍

This International Day for People with Disability, Adam Hills, Minister for Every Body, is busting myths about people with disability and ensuring tennis is a sport for everybody.     #IDPwD2024 #adamhills #DiverstyandInclusion

🌻 Sunflowers bloom at NSW Parliament 🌻    This International Day of Persons with Disability, NSW Parliament is proud to be the first parliament in Australia to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative. Since August, select staff have been in training to welcome visitors to NSW Parliament wearing the internationally recognised sunflower.    Around 20% of all Australians have a disability (ABS, 2024) and it is estimated up to 85% live with a hidden disability.  Visitors to NSW Parliament wearing the sunflower symbol are now discreetly offered support and assistance.      We have adopted the Sunflower program as part of our continued efforts to increase parliament’s accessibility for all people, and sunflower training is available for all staff.     Find out more information about accessibility at the Parliament of NSW: https://lnkd.in/gt837JSz    #NSWParliament #HiddenDisabilities #HiddenDisabilitiesSunflower #WearTheSunflower Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Australia & New Zealand Ben Franklin

🌻 Meet the world's first toys to feature the official Sunflower lanyard 🌻 the LEGO Group has partnered with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to introduce new characters wearing the official Sunflower lanyard, raising awareness for hidden disabilities. 👏 The Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol that helps individuals with hidden disabilities discreetly signal they may need extra support, time, or understanding. 

🌻 Metro Trains Sydney is proud to be Sunflower friendly! We're part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Australia & New Zealand program, supporting customers across the network with non-visible disabilities and making train travel more accessible. We’re proud to play a role in eradicating barriers to social inclusion, equity and participation on transport and that’s why our staff have been trained to recognise the diverse needs of all customers. Do you need more time to board and exit trains? Navigate stations? Or simply find a quiet place? MTS staff recognise the Sunflower symbol and will discreetly support customers before, during and after their journey. We've been a member of the program for over a year and ensuring a safe and supportive journey on any Metro service or station is our commitment to you!

Adelaide Oval has unveiled its new, state-of-the-art Guest Services area, making the stadium more accessible and inclusive than ever before! As part of the upgrades, guests can now enjoy a dedicated Sensory Space, a Changing Places bathroom facility and a Multi-Faith Room with foot washing facilities. The $500,000 construction project reflects Adelaide Oval’s ongoing commitment to enhancing accessibility and inclusivity across the venue and has been supported by a number of State Government grants. A sincere thank you to the Department of Human Services SA for funding the Changing Places facility and to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Government of South Australia for supporting specialised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Australia & New Zealand training and equipment for the sensory space via an Autism Works grant. An expert project team was employed to complete construction, including Metron Design, Mott MacDonald and Cox Architecture, with sensory space fitout by Link Assistive and guidance from Novita and those with lived experience, notably the Shipway family. You can find the Guest Services area located just inside the East Gate which is now open to all guests and will be in use for the NRMA Insurance Men’s Day-Night Test Match starting this Friday.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/gtr7JHyT

🌻 Happy International Day of People with Disability! Today and every day, we celebrate the millions of Australians and New Zealanders with over 950 non-obvious disabilities. With 1 in 5 people living with a disability, we’re proud to work with organisations to promote accessibility and awareness of the Sunflower. Let’s keep building a world where everyone feels included, understood, and respected. #IDPWD2024 #HiddenDisabilitiesSunflower