Council is a member of the Sunflower Program

International Day of People with Disabilities is a day when the world comes together to celebrate people with disabilities and to highlight the importance of creating a future where they experience equal opportunity and no barriers.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is here every day of the year to support those living with invisible disabilities in their communities. The Sunflower program raises awareness, provides training for businesses and organisations and shares stories to help create a more inclusive and understanding society for people with hidden disabilities.

Council is proud to support this program, where residents with hidden disabilities can wear a free sunflower lanyard or bracelet to show they need extra support, understanding or time. Our frontline staff have been trained to better assist individuals with hidden disabilities or chronic health conditions.

Globally 1 in 7 people live with a disability. While some experience visible disabilities, many have a non-visible health condition or disability that is neurological, cognitive, physical, visual, auditory or include sensory and processing difficulties. Examples include autism, anxiety, dementia, diabetes, epilepsy and hearing loss.

Chronic health conditions can include arthritis, diabetes, chronic pain, severe allergies and sleep disorders.

The sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for hidden disabilities or chronic health conditions. The Sunflower Program uses it as the basis for simple tools for you to share with others that you have a hidden disability or chronic health condition.

Free sunflower lanyards and bracelets are available to those who need them at the following locations:

• Council’s customer service centre, Level 4 818 Pacific Highway Gordon.
• All Ku-ring-gai libraries.
• Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre at West Pymble.
• The Wildflower Garden at St Ives.
• Ku-ring-gai Art Centre at Roseville.
• Ku-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre at St Ives.

Simply wear the sunflower lanyard or bracelet at these venues if you want to show that you need additional support, understanding or time from our staff.

Staff in these locations have received training to recognise the lanyards and bracelets and provide support as required.

View more information about the Sunflower Program.