A small yet impactful initiative, the ‘Hidden Disabilities Sunflower’, is changing how society accommodates those with unseen challenges.
The Kyabram District Health Service has taken proactive steps to enhance accessibility to the Sunflower program within the Kyabram community.
This involves distributing free lanyards, making it easier for individuals with hidden disabilities to be identified and supported.
The lanyard serves as a visual cue to the public, indicating when someone might require support or extra time.
Developed to address the needs of individuals with hidden disabilities, the initiative has gained recognition for its effectiveness in fostering inclusivity and understanding.
“It’s a great program,” a mother in the community said.
“My son wears his sunflower lanyard every day, and as a mum, it makes me feel less stressed if he has a meltdown in the community.”
The local What We Can Do Group organised for the program to be introduced to the KDHS, and it was launched at the International Day of People with Disability celebration in December.
What We Can Do Group members provide invaluable support to one another.
“To me, it’s like a second family,” one of the members said.
Originating in the UK in 2016, the Sunflower program has transcended borders and gained global recognition.
Its success lies in its ability to address a range of hidden disabilities, including autism, chronic pain, dementia, hearing loss and sight problems.
The sunflower has become an internationally recognised symbol, offering assistance and understanding.
The KDHS said it was hopeful the Sunflower initiative would become more widely adopted and that it had seen a lot of changes in how the community had approached those with a sunflower lanyard.
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