Article Updated 21 March 2025
In October 2023, an ITC reader alerted In the Cove to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programme. ITC posted the following post on its Facebook page:
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a discreet symbol worn by individuals with non-visible disabilities.
It’s a simple yet powerful way to communicate to those around them that they may need additional support or understanding. This initiative aims to reduce anxiety and misunderstanding, promoting a more inclusive environment.
Why is it Important?
Many people live with invisible disabilities, such as chronic pain, mental health conditions, or neurodivergence. These conditions can significantly impact daily life, but they may not be immediately apparent to others. This can lead to frustration, discrimination, and social isolation.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower provides a visual cue that can:
- Encourage empathy: It prompts others to offer assistance or patience.
- Reduce stigma: It normalizes the experience of invisible disabilities.
- Improve accessibility: It can lead to adjustments in public spaces and services.
After hearing about the programme, ITC wrote to then Councillor Katherine Mort, who was on Lane Cove Council’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Katherine Mort put the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programme on the agenda, and ITC is pleased to advise that Lane Cove Council has now come on board.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
This lanyard has a yellow sunflower printed on a green background. It indicates to those around the wearer that they are a person with a hidden disability and may require support, understanding or a little more time.
Lane Cove Council on its website noted:
“Lane Cove Council recognised that some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others.
The Sunflower lanyards are available upon request at Lane Cove Council Civic Centre, Lane Cove Library and St Leonards Library.”
Paramatta City Council’s Hidden Disability Programme
Paramatta City Council has recently introduced the Sunflower Programme and have some innovative ways to promote the programme.
The Parammat City Council programme is also part of Council’s ongoing collaboration with ASPECT (Autism Spectrum Australia), which included site assessments at Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC), PHIVE and Parramatta Library and led to the creation of Visual Stories (PAC) – a guide to help visitors navigate the City’s sites with ease.
Sunflower Friendly sites will have collateral indicating they are Sunflower Friendly, including stickers to make it easy to identify key locations across Parramatta:
- Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC)
- PHIVE
- All Library branches
- All five Childcare Centres operated by Council
- Riverside Theatre
- Parramatta Artist Studios
By proudly displaying the Sunflower logo, each participating site signals to people with hidden disabilities that they’re in a safe and supportive environment.
More than 126 Council staff members have volunteered to become Sunflower Supporters and will wear Sunflower lanyards and badges so they are easy to spot, offering an extra layer of support to anyone who needs it.
What Does Wearing the Sunflower Lanyard Mean?
The Sunflower Lanyard:
- doesn’t automatically entitle you to any specific accommodations or services. However, it serves as a subtle signal for others to be aware of your needs and offer assistance if needed. It can also help alleviate any potential misunderstandings or judgments from others who may not understand your condition.
- is not limited to any specific disability or condition; it can represent various non-visible disabilities, conditions and chronic illnesses.
- is a symbol that promotes inclusivity and understanding for those with non-visible disabilities, conditions and chronic illnesses.
- is entirely optional.
For more information, visit the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website.
