Not every disability shows visual signs. Some disabilities are hidden, but they can significantly impact how people experience the world.
Hidden disabilities may include conditions such as mobility, mental health, learning difficulties, speech, visual impairments or hearing loss. They can also include respiratory and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic pain and sleep disorders that significantly impact day to day life experiences.
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
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Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it is not there.
Our event and organisation staff, and our city ambassadors will also wear the symbol to show that they have completed dedicated training and are able to provide assistance to people with hidden disabilities.
Anyone with a hidden disability, their carer or a loved one can wear a Sunflower product as a discreet way to show that they have a hidden disability.
You can pick up free Sunflower products such as lanyards, pins, stickers and wrist bands at: City of Melbourne Libraries or Visitor Centres.
You can also purchase a range of Sunflower products from Traveller's Aid at Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross station, or at the Hidden Disabilities online shop.