Parliamentary departments embark on their Sunflower journey
Victoria’s parliamentary departments have officially joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, strengthening their commitment to making Parliament more accessible and inclusive for people with disability.
By joining the Sunflower program, the parliamentary departments are continuing to implement their Disability Action and Inclusion Plan, helping to ensure Parliament is a place where all Victorians feel welcomed, understood and supported.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is recognised in Australia and internationally as a way for people to voluntarily indicate they have a non-visible disability. Wearing the Sunflower can signal that someone may need a little extra time, understanding or assistance in workplaces, on public transport, in shops or in public spaces.
The three parliamentary departments now part of the network are:
• Department of the Legislative Assembly
• Department of the Legislative Council
• Department of Parliamentary Services
To mark International Day of People with Disability, a welcome ceremony was held at Parliament House. Sharon Wright from Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia & New Zealand formally welcomed the parliamentary departments to the network and provided a briefing to staff on how the initiative works in practice.
By embracing the Sunflower, Victoria’s parliamentary departments are taking another meaningful step towards creating a more inclusive parliamentary environment for staff, visitors and the wider community.
Watch: Parliamentary departments welcomed to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (1m 10s)
