Wednesday 7 August 2024Health news3 minutes to read
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora West Coast is now a proud member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program.
“We’re delighted to have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. With this initiative our kaimahi (staff) are being trained to recognise and assist patients, visitors and colleagues with a non-visible disability, who are wearing the Sunflower lanyard or pin to show they may need extra support,” says West Coast’s Director of Allied Health Scientific and Technical, Margot van Mulligen.
“To date, reception and admin staff at the majority of our facilities have completed the training to become Sunflower Champions. Training focuses on understanding hidden disabilities, and how to offer extra assistance to those who choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard or pin,” says Margot.
About a quarter of New Zealanders live with a disability, with more than 900 disabilities listed as hidden or non-visible. This can include ADHD, brain injury, autism, dyslexia and many more. Being hidden, it’s not immediately obvious when more patience and understanding is needed.
“My son Thomas has autism and wears the Sunflower lanyard when we go out in public. I find people seem to be more understanding with less judgement and more accommodating to his needs. Knowing that Health NZ staff are aware or have gained knowledge behind why someone is wearing a Sunflower lanyard, will help to break down barriers of judgement as to why a person could be acting or behaving in a certain way,” says West Coast Disability Steering Group member, Sarah Birchfield.
“If you, a family member, or someone you know has a hidden disability, you can now request a Sunflower lanyard to wear while accessing health care and make your disability visible. It’s a discreet way of showing staff and the public that you have a hidden disability and may need a little extra support, time, and understanding,” says Sarah.
For more information about the program visit – https://hdsunflower.com/au/
Photo: (L to R) Director of Allied Health, Scientific and Technical Margot van Mulligen, Receptionist Karen Brookshaw and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program Lead Madeline Bernard.
ENDS
Media contact: hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Notes to editors:
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower exists to help those with disabilities that are not immediately obvious such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety, visual or hearing impairment. Our aim is to help make the invisible, visible.
In Australia and New Zealand 1 in 5 people are said to have a disability, 80% of these are hidden.
Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around the wearer including staff, colleagues and health professionals that they need additional support, help or a little more time.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme was established in 2016. Since then, it has been adopted globally by major airports and venues and in the UK, by many supermarkets, railway and coach stations, leisure facilities, the NHS, a number of police, fire and ambulance services, and an increasing number of small and large businesses and organisations.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is dedicated to helping businesses identify customers with a hidden disability. Details of how to join the scheme can be found here: www.hiddendisabilitiesshop.com.au/for-businesses/joining-the-sunflower
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme Limited, previously owned by Tabbers Limited, is a private company. Both Tabbers and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme are owned by Tabbers Holdings Limited. For further information please contact join@hiddendisabilitiesshop.com.au.
Celebrating AchievementDisabilitiesHealth awarenessRural healthWest Coast
Page last updated: 7 August 2024
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