Hidden Disability Sunflower continues to grow

This simple tool enables people with hidden disabilities or conditions to voluntarily share and indicate to people around them that they may need extra understanding, help or a little more time. The Alfred, Caulfield and Sandringham were the first metropolitan hospitals in Victoria to support the global initiative. 

Lisa Cameron, the Disability Inclusion Lead at Bayside Health Alfred, said the initiative had reached deeper levels than previously anticipated. 

“What we are finding is that the option of wearing the sunflower is having a transformative effect on some people’s identity and pride,” she said. “It has been an opportunity for them to claim who they are. 

“And it is not just for at the hospital – it's useful when you’re on the train, at the shopping centre, going to the football. Our success here is dependent on success in the community, and vice versa.” 

It is the second time that the HealthSmart Pharmacy has donated $10,000 towards the program, which is being used to make Sunflower products available to people with disability. 

“The success of this scheme at The Alfred is a result of HealthSmart’s support,” Lisa said. 

Pharmacist Joseph Tesorierio has seen a tangible impact since he and his staff received training and started to wear the lanyards. 

“You are more in tune with people who might have an issue but do not feel comfortable talking about it or raising it,” he said. “Myself personally, I’ve had people who see that I have the lanyard and initiate a conversation, which made it easier for us to talk about something that was a little bit difficult. 

“There are so many opportunities to do charitable things in a hospital, and this is one that I feel is very practical and tangible. That is why we want to be a part of it.” 

Hearing how someone like Joseph was experiencing the impact of the initiative was “really encouraging”, Lisa said. 

"We have a lot of people who are already tuned into disability, who find it easier to understand intuitively what people’s needs might be,” she said. “But we are trying to help other people empathise, understand and recognise how their behaviour might support someone.” 

To find out more information, visit the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website.