Wyndham City Libraries have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative to make our libraries more inclusive for everyone.
On 2 April Wyndham libraries will launch the Sunflower Initiative, to coincide with World Autism Day, to raise awareness of one of the many hidden disabilities that exist in our community.
Free Sunflower products will be available at Wyndham libraries. Sunflower lanyards, pins and wrist bands will be available so that people with hidden disabilities can discreetly show their hidden disability without having to disclose.
People in the Wyndham community with a hidden disability will be able to collect a free wristband, lanyard, or pin to get them started on their journey to discreetly share and communicate they have a disability or condition, at the following Wyndham libraries: Manor Lakes, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Werribee and Point Cook.
Wyndham City's Healthy City portfolio holder, Cr Adele Hegedich, said: "The hidden disability sunflower is a globally recognised symbol that is used in public spaces that gives the wearer the opportunity to share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent and that they may need a helping hand or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces."
"Anyone with a hidden disability, or their carer can wear a Sunflower product."
"Wyndham City is committed to raising awareness of hidden disabilities and ensuring that people with hidden disabilities feel seen and heard in our community."
In Australia, 4.4 million people live with disability and 80 per cent of those have a hidden disability.
Hidden disabilities are not immediately apparent. Disabilities can be temporary, situational or permanent.
"They can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties," Cr Hegedich said.
"Without visible evidence of the hidden disability, it is often difficult for others to understand the challenges and barriers the person with disability faces."
"The Sunflower initiative also supports Wyndham's Accessibility and Inclusion Plan 2023-2025. During consultation, community members requested that more be done to raise awareness of hidden disabilities in our community."
Wyndham City will lead the initiative and encourages people with hidden disabilities to come and get their free sunflower products from a participating Wyndham library.
