People with disabilities can be confident in accessing key Parramatta facilities and services with Council becoming a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
The global program is aimed at improving inclusivity and accessibility through enhanced customer service in public spaces, transport, shops and more through staff training and volunteering.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said becoming Sunflower Friendly is an important step forward and a key milestone under the City's Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
"With 1 in 6 people living with a disability around the world, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is a great way for people with a hidden disability to ask for a helping hand," Cr Zaiter said.
"This program gives people with hidden disabilities the tools to feel at ease when accessing Council's facilities and services.
"By creating accessible, inclusive Council facilities and services, we can better serve the needs of everyone in our community."
The program 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 handy 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.
Over 126 of 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.
Visitors with hidden disabilities can also pick up their own lanyard or badge at the key sites.
The community can search for Sunflower Friendly sites on the Sunflower Program website, making it easier than ever for visitors to access services and support.
