Intereach customer support officer Louise White supporting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Photo: Supplied.
Intereach has adopted a new inclusive initiative to help break barriers for people with hidden disabilities in Echuca-Moama
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The organisation has become a corporate member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, a program that helps people with non-visible disabilities.
People with non-visible conditions can choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard in order to be recognised discreetly in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.
As part of this commitment, Sunflower lanyards and products are now available at all 17 Intereach offices across NSW and Victoria, including Echuca, for staff and community members who choose to share they have a hidden disability.
For Intereach customer support officer Andrea Clayton, who lives with a hidden disability, the initiative has had a deeply personal impact.
“The Hidden Disability Sunflower empowers me to embrace my strengths and challenges, fostering understanding and inclusion in every aspect of my life,” she said.
Intereach customer service officer Andrea Clayton welcomes the new initiative. Photo: Supplied.
In Australia and New Zealand, one in five people have a disability, with 80 to 85 per cent of these being hidden.
Hidden disabilities can include:
Neurological, cognitive, or neurodevelopmental conditions
Physical, visual or auditory disabilities
Sensory or processing difficulties
Respiratory or chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, chronic pain or sleep disorders
Intereach staff are undertaking training to recognise the Sunflower symbol, build a deeper understanding of hidden disabilities and confidently approach and support people who may need a helping hand.
Intereach co-chief executive Yvette Buhagiar said the organisation was proud to be a part of the program.
“Wearing the Sunflower is a simple but powerful tool as it discreetly indicates to people around the wearer that they may need additional support, help or a little more time,” she said.
“We are proud to become part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower as it’s one more way we can show leadership in diversity and inclusion, ensuring people living with a hidden disability feel recognised, respected and supported.”
The initiative forms part of Intereach’s Community Capacity Building Plan and its Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, which champions inclusivity, equity and belonging across the organisation.
For more information, or to collect a Sunflower product, visit the Intereach Echuca office at 203-205 Hare St, call 1300 488 226 or go to intereach.com.au
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