People living with non-visible disability such as autism, epilepsy or who are deaf or hard of hearing will be better supported when completing government transactions at Service NSW Centres, with team members completing awareness training.
Service NSW staff from across the 116 Service NSW Centres have participated in training for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to be able to recognise customers wearing a Sunflower pin, wristband or lanyard who might require additional support, time or understanding when transacting such as completing a form or using digital services.
The Sunflower symbol is a discreet and simple way for people to share they live with hidden disability or a medical condition which may not be immediately apparent and may need additional assistance.
Invisible disabilities include people who live with chronic pain, autism, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, dyslexia, epilepsy, long COVID, stuttering, low vision or who are hard of hearing.
Service NSW has liaised with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), the Australian Museum and Transport for NSW to understand the benefits and positive impact that the Sunflower offers.
About one in five people in Australia live with disability with an estimated 80 per cent of disabilities being invisible.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program launched in 2016 has become a recognisable icon for people across the world.
