Toy Libraries Australia joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Toy Libraries Australia has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, helping to create more inclusive and welcoming spaces for families across the country.
Toy libraries play an important role in communities by providing access to toys, play experiences, and connection for families. By joining the Sunflower Program, participating toy libraries are helping ensure that families with non-visible disabilities feel recognised, supported, and understood when they visit.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol raises awareness of non-visible disabilities and signals that a person may need a little extra understanding, time, or support. Whether it’s offering flexibility, patience, or a welcoming environment to play, the initiative helps foster a more inclusive experience for everyone.
Renae Barker, Chairperson, Toy Libraries Australia, says:
"As chair of the board of Toy Libraries Australia, I am really pleased that Toy Libraries Australia is embracing the Sunflower symbol in our toy libraries. This is a great way for us to embrace members of our community who have always been there, to make them visible and to show them that they are a valued and important part of the toy library community. As a Sunflower lanyard wearer myself, I am also really pleased to see this aspect of my life finding its way into the toy library community.”
So far, 44 toy libraries across metro, suburban, and regional communities have joined the program, with volunteers and staff completing Sunflower training and rolling out the initiative through nominated Sunflower Ambassadors.
All participating toy libraries are introducing bespoke Sunflower lanyards for both wearers and supporters to help build awareness within their spaces.
Several more toy libraries are expected to join the program soon, reflecting a growing commitment across the sector to create environments where all families feel welcome.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact the Sunflower Program will have across Toy Libraries Australia and the many communities they support.