People with hidden disabilities can now let others know they need support by wearing a sunflower lanyard.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower trial funded by Wishlist has trained 800 Sunshine Coast Health staff since September.
They have been taught how the initiative works and ways to support people with hidden disabilities.
There are 33 hidden disabilities recognised by the organisation, including ADHD, Autism, Crohn’s Disease, Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, and Long Covid.
Sunshine Coast Health will train another 200 health staff.
Sunshine Coast Health Disability Service Plan Project Lead, Lizzy Keim said many health staff wear the sunflower lanyards to show they too have a hidden disability.
“We’ve had a lot of health staff tell us they have hidden disabilities through this, and that they’re really grateful and celebrated that we’ve taken this initiative on,” Lizzy said.
“It’s just an easy and very discreet way of signalling to your co-workers that you might need a little bit of extra time, consideration or support.”
The $2000 trial was funded by Wishlist, and will help shine a light on people living with hidden disabilities.
