Major Australian based bus operator, Busways has thrown its support behind the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program across its network in New South Wales and South Australia recently.
Busways’ Adelaide Outer South and NSW North Coast regions were be the first to kick off the program last week as the company acknowledged Invisible Disabilities Week (20 – 26 October), while it says the initiative will be further rolled out to other NSW regions in the coming weeks.
Busways says that becoming ‘Sunflower-friendly’ reinforces’ its commitment to accessible transport and to providing a supportive environment to all passengers.
Busways says the globally recognised Sunflower program allows individuals with hidden disabilities, such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety, and visual or hearing impairments, to discreetly signal that they may need additional assistance or understanding. The company says that by wearing a distinctive green and yellow sunflower-themed lanyard or wristband, passengers can signal their need for additional support from Busways staff without disclosing their conditions.
“Our teams are all undertaking the training to deliver Sunflower-friendly services in Busways regions to improve accessibility and inclusion on our services,”Busways customer experience manager Sarah Langthorne said.
“Our goal is to create a space where everyone can feel welcome, respected and understood, allowing those with hidden challenges to travel with ease and dignity, making a positive difference in daily lives” Langthorne added.
“Over the coming months, we’ll continue to roll out the training and bring other Busways operated regions onboard to recognise and assist passengers wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower .”
Anyone with a hidden disability can obtain a Sunflower lanyard or pin from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website.
Free Sunflower lanyards can be obtained from Transport for NSW by emailing sunflower@transport.nsw.gov.au or by picking one up at any of 35 selected train stations. For more information, visit https://transportnsw.info/news/2023/extra-support-for-hidden-disabilities
Busways says the Sunflower is solely distributed in Australia by Bayley House, which is a not-for-profit organisation
