A Caregiver & Sister's take on The Hidden Disability Sunflower

A few weeks ago, Metrolinx announced they are participating in the "Hidden Disabilities Sunflower” Program. (Article here)

For those who don’t know about The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, the program utilizes a pin or lanyard with a sunflower on a green background. It’s used to signal to customer service agents, or other organizations participating in the program that the person wearing the lanyard or pin has a non-apparent disability and may require more time or extra support.

A program like this is important to a lot of people. However, I’m very aware that there are outstanding concerns with this program. Firstly, the program is a method of outward disclosure. Being in the accessibility and disability space, disclosure is a sensitive subject, and many have experienced discrimination and negative reactions because they have shared their disability. Wearing the sunflower is a form of disclosure (if an individual knows what the symbol means) and not many people are comfortable with that kind of outward disclosure.

My other bone to pick is that the program uses “hidden” disability. Personally, I prefer non-apparent. Hidden, and the other common term “invisible” tend to have a negative connotation, implying that the person is hiding or masking their disability. Additionally, invisible, implies that because you don’t see it, the disability doesn’t exist.?(Though in fairness language is always evolving, so some grace should be given)

I can admit, that the program can be problematic for some, but there are some positives, especially as the sister and caregiver to a sibling with a disability.

For one, I want to encourage independence for my siblings, especially when it comes to using public transit to get to their place of work or to hang out with friends. Moreover, and as selfish as this sounds, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower gives comfort and reassurance if my sibling needs help, or in the event of a disruption or sudden change on public transit. (No offence Metrolinx, it happens often)

Every time my sibling leaves the house, I’m not worried about them. I’m worried about the people around them and how they’ll treat them during a disruption or when they need help. I can prep, train and inform my sibling on how to use different transit systems and who to go to when they need help, but training for ableist attitudes and mentalities is harder.?

I’ve heard my fair share of ableist, and discriminatory attitudes towards the disabled population, and the Hidden Disability Sunflower provides a little comfort that someone will be by my sibling's side and help when I can’t.?

For the most part, I know that when my sibling is using public transit, nothing happens, and if they need me I am a phone call away. However, the Hidden Disability Sunflower is a backup plan and it’s good to know that people are trained to take time and make sure they are providing service in a manner that meets them where they are.?

This program isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay, but for the level of peace of mind the program gives, we’ll take what we can get.?

In an ideal world, we shouldn’t need a sunflower pin.? The program in its current state is a band-aid solution to an ableist world that needs changing. Support in any form should always be given in an inclusive, accessible and kind manner; no matter the environment. We should always be meeting people where they are, and helping them get to where they need to Go. No questions asked.?

Additional Note: Something to keep in mind is that participating in the program requires a level of consent. I’ve already shared that the program deals with a level of forced disclosure.? So on my part, and my family's there was a bit of education and sharing what the program meant with my sibling and getting their consent to participate. They were cool with it, especially since they like to know they can get help in a way that’s conducive to their learning style.